New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-04-19
S5l3,505

AVeoi'' po7O, ,JtS
In this calculation no estimate is made of re-
pairs done since October, ls73 and previous to the
present high water, which would increase this
amount some $4,000.
This statement is lot made palliation or sx.
cuse for non-performance Of duty, for 10 such
otfense is admitted. The Levee Company asserts,
without fear of truthful contradiction, that lot
only has every dollar received from the State been
faithfully truly and economically applied 20 the
building oi levees but they further assert that
fully onethird of the cost of the evees made by
them has been paid by the company out of fun DIS
contributed by the stockholders.
This was the condition of the Levee COMPANY.
bOth as TO the work done and disbursements made
wheE the uDprecented food which is now threat
eDpg universal overflow came upon us. Our
resources were exhausted, and we were called
upon to furnish materials, supplies and labor,
literally to hundreds Of places, extending over
some 1900 miles of levees. To all applicants for
assistance, we could make but one reply SO long
our credit lasted, we will send materials and
supplies to the threatened points; but the people
residing behind the levees will be compelled to
provide the labor. We have continued up to the
present time to furnish the materials and supplies.
We appeal to An intelligent public to say, if the
Levee Company deserve the many harsh epithets
that have been heaped upon them. Up to this
time the stockholders have received profits
from their investment Of nearly half a million of
dollars No cash dividends have ever been de.
clared. Two scrip dividends of comparatively
small amounts have been made, based npon ex.
pected profits in the future.
An impression exists that the Levee Company
are supreme in their control of the levees. Such
is not the fact. Their position is a subordinate
ore. The State, very properly, reserved to itself
the right through q Commission Of Levee En-
gneers, Ito lecate all levees and prescribe their
dimensions" When the levees are located and
their dimensions determined, the Levee Company
proceed to build them according to plans pIoiles
and specifications furnished by the engineers.
The company have ND authority or right 10
change the location, or to increase or dimin-
ish in any particular the size height OF the
levee.
The engineers also class the levees in three
elasses-frst, second and third class necessities
according they deem the urgency Of the case
to require immediate remote building. Many
have complained that their levees have been
placed too far from the river bank; others that
they are placed too close to the bank. Some say
they are too large; others that they too small.
The law provides that the engineers, and they |
alone, the best judges Of these various q0es-
tons and the Levee Company is compelled to fol-
low implicitly the decision Of the engineers.
In conclusion the Levee Company earnestly re- |
that the attention Of the federal govern
ment be called to our forlorn condition, and that
the strong hand of federal power be used in build
ing system of levees which viii relieve US from
all possible overflow. The Levee Company will |
use every effort to induce the federal government !
to take charge of our levees, and will willingly |
give place to power more potent, and with more
resources than they have to accomplish the pur
pose in view, and thus save the State from further
taxation.
By order Of the Board of Directors.
JOHN HENDERSON.
President Louisiana Levee Company.
apl9 II 3p