New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-03-27
THE CITY HALL.

Within the last few days the Dubilc IN
terest has been turned to the consideration
of the city defenses against an overflow.
The admirable arrangements of the Admin
istrator of Improvements now fully ap-
pear. When these arrangements are fully
understood, no apprehension will be in
dulged in. The protection levee runs FROM
point ON the river near the upper line OF
Carrollton along the bed Of the old Jetfer-
son railroad to Metaire ridge. 1t is de-
signed to protect the city from the effects
of any break of the river levee either above
or below Camp Parapet. The levees in the
Sixth District have also been strengthened,
and in many places rebuilt, as also some
thirteen miles of levee on the opposite side
of the river. The broken places along the
river in the Second and Third Districts
have also been repaired. These improve
ments put the city in a better condition to
resist an overflow than for many years pre-
viously. IT, as is supposed by many, the
water will reach higher mark this year
than ever before, these preparations will be
found indispensable, and the consequent
expenses attending the improvement is, the
best investment that could be made.
We have before repeatedly alluded to the
strength and character of the levees that
border the canals in the rear of the city.
These are better than ever before. In no
place are they weak. The elaborate care
that has been given to their construc ton, it
is thought by competent engineers, will rem
der such disaster as that of June utterly
impossible. The only drawback to it CON
sists in the poor character of the machinery
employed at the draining canals. This is
weak from age, and is by no means com
mensurate wit h modern improvem ents. Be
fore full confidence can be reposed in our
drainage facilities, this old and worn-out
machinery will have to be replaced by that
of newer make, and better adapted to the
purposes in view.
Yesterday, a gentleman from the country
called upon the Mayor to complain that on
Saturday last be had been beguiled into a
gambling house on st. Charles street, where
he lost $3.50. The Mayor saw the Superin-
tendent of Police concerning the matter,
and d demand will be made for the return
of the money. Should the parties not CON
sent to restore the property, 1t is proposed
to pay the expenses of the victim, and prose
cute the case Colonel Badger stated to the
Mayor that although numbers of affidavits
had been made in cases Of similar charac-
ter, they invariably met with nolle prose
qui when they reached the District Court.
Owing to an accident at the Gasw orks.
by which large amount of gas escaped,
the street lamps were not lighted last even
ing until between nine and ten o'clock. a
resolution granting the privilege to the Gas
works was adopted by the Council at its
meeting yesterday.
A great portion of the city from Galvez
street back was yesterday morning covered
with the water which had accumulated,
owing to the constant rains. a large prop
erty holder was at the hall yesterday morn
ing, urging that some immediate steps be
taken to dig parallel canal running toward
the ridge. 1t is contended that canal on
Poydras street could be dug on the ground
belonging 10 the city. and that there could
in consequence be no suit tor damages.
Messrs jenkins & blmstead. the arChi-
tects to whom is intrusted the erection on
Lafayette square of the statue of Benjamin
Franklin. presented to the city by Mr.. {,
A. Weed. of the Times, were at the Mayor $
office yesterday morning explaining the
plans which they have designed for the
purpose. The total cost of foundation,
pedestal, iron railing, etc, will not exceed