The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-06-04
GEN. GIBSON ON THE LEVEEs.

! A CONVENTION PROPOSED-THE PEOPLE VS.
THE LEvEE COMPANY.
From our distinguished and talented
| fellow-citizen, Gen. r. L. Gibson, we have
received the following communication upon
the subject of the levees. His large interest
and great experience in matters of this kind
qualify him to write intellgibIy upon the
question at issue.
The recommendation made to convene a
convention of the planters interested in
this subject is proper and wise, and we hope
to see a full representation of delegates
from the overaowed parishes, who will ex-
press in proper terms their condemnation of
the Levee Company as administered by
Messrs. Henderson, Kenner, Oglesby, Long
whose aim is personal gain at the expense
Of the planters of the State.
The Levee Company from beginning to
END is cheat, and is responsible for the
fearful disasters that aff1ict our State Its
object was to enrich few men, pets of Kel-
logg, at the sacrifice Of the integrity of the
State and of the spOliation of its citizens
We commend to our readers the following
comm lnication from Gen. Gibson
Editors of New Orleans Bulletin;
l observe that the people in the valley between
Bayou Lafonrche and the Teche are holding public
meetings and adopting resolutions, with a view to
secure reconstruction of the levees Sharing IN no
inconsderabe measure the disasters resulting from
the overflow, beg leave to offer few suggestions to
those who are, like myself, direct, interested.
These meetings and resolutions all very proper
but they will be barren of results unless
bined and powerful movement be made to secure the
end in view. our only purpose should be get the
broken levees rebuilt, that there may be some
security for next year 1t may be that can accom-
plish this object through the existing Levee Com
pany. At all events, think should consider well
and thoroughly every plan suggested be ore con-
demning any person corporation and keep steadily
in view the great object which should shape our
course.
suggest til at all the parishes in this valley send
delegates to meet in this city, Saturday 18th June
These elegates will together with all facts
showing how the crevasses occurred, whether by
gross carelessness inevitable accident, how much
property has been destroyed, and the ability the
people to raise the money needed to repair the levees
and the amount that will be required for this purpose
Plans for rel eff may then be presented and those
directly Interested will have opportunity of deciding
upon the feasibility and practcabilty of any
that may be suggested. And 1 cannot but believe
that the action of such body of intelligent and well
meaning citizens will have great weight with the
l address mys If to the people in this valley because
their position is peculiar and isolated.
Ihe levee on the west pa OF the ssesppi River
from Red River to Bayou Lafourche, protects larger
proportion of the country in in wealth. in popu
lation han any other equal extent of levee in the
Site. This front not only the riparian
parishes of Pointe Coupee. West Baton uge and
lberville, but Assumption, Terrebonne, st. Mary
IBERIA St Martin, St. Landry, Avoyelles and Rapdes
in whole in part. This immense valley, rich
all the elements of wealth, improvements, utensi 8,
cultivated lands, live stock, gardens,
houses and domestic conveniences, is to-day vast
from the Bayou Lafourche to the Teche and Cour
tableau.
But if it appear that the present Levee Board ION
which there ie not representative from this section
rs am infOrmed), neglected the evees protecting u.s.
or give assurances of their willingness and
ability TO afford protection, it may be necessary
per APPS to attempt its oyerthrow and to organize
local board of and raise the funds needed by
extra tax if there be other of relief For
the country s rich and extensive in proportion to
the narrow front to be protected that small amount
honestly and intelgently applied, coupled with vigil
liant watchfulness in seasons of high water, would
give us the amplest guarantees sgainst the awful
calamity Of overfow-worse in this sugar country
than fire that had swept away ev-ry building and
fence IN the vast district now inundated.
have written these suggestions after consultation
With several leading gentle frem the district and
suitable place will be obtained for meeting in this
city en- Saturday, the 18th June If the parishes
spond. Lafourche and Terrebonne have already
appointed delegates, and We have the information
hat several other parahes viii take action immedi-
Rtely. B. /. GIBSON.