The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-05-13
TIMES CHANGES.

No longer ago than September. 1874, the
jetty system of Capt Jas. B. Eads, was about
as unpopular in Louisiana as any measure Of
equal importance within the range of our rec
election. Louisianians are essentially can
did in the expression of their views and even
more SO in giving voice to their feelings. At
that period and at all times prior to the en-
dorsement of the jetty system by Congress,
our people were exceedingly reluctant to
yield the favorite plan of their prominent en-
gineers and men of science, that of opening
the deep waters of the river to the deep waters
Of the Gulf by means of ship canal
below Fort ST. Philip. There was
general indignation against the Eads system
and belief equally general that the prompt
ing motive of its advocates was not friendly
towards New Orleans. Almost the whole en-
cheering corps Of our State were averse to
the jetties, if not in favor of the canal. The
press, representing the wishes and feelings of
the public, demonstrated against the jetties
with characteristic spirit. Prominent men
from st. Louis, who Spoke in favor of Capt
Eads and his project were heard respectfully,
but with little patience Senator West, who
advocated jetties as against the canal, defend
ed his course before the Chamber of Com
merce in an address which was listened to by
but his remarks were heard with nothing
more than very respectful silence by an
audience which went away very moody, very
disconnected, and wholly unconvinced.
We refer to these things because we desire
that Capt Eads and his friends may not as
sumo that Louisiana opposition to his plan Of
opening the outlet Of the Mississippi to large
vessels was mere prejudice of an active few
rather than the deep seated distrust of the
multitude. He and they are welcomed now
sincerely and cordially by citizens who, ten
months ago, spoke Of him and his plans in |
terms far from complimentary. All this may |
have been known to Capt. Eads, tor there
was no disguise about it. All this
will readily be acknowledged now
BY any Of the parties concerned. We only
:efer to past opinions and expressions to show
hat our citizens, in their cordial and dis
inguished reception of the enterprising great
engineer and contractor from st. Louis, are
citing no hypocritical part. They are doing
What they have been obliged to do before;
hey are accepting the situation" and We
an assure all concerned that they are doing
o in the heartiest good faith, with the full
esolve to render all the assistance that they
an. Capt Eads having now shown his
ettled will and resolve to free
he commerce of the great valley
rom an impediment which has heretofore
efed the skill and power of engineers, he
ill now find his exertions seconded with
borough earnestness. It is now the convic-
on of our citizens at large that the jetty ex-
eriment is one that must be thoroughly tried.
While it is in process of trial it will have all
ne help and countenance that our people can
i've. Not only the merchants and shippers
New Orleans, but all who are interested in
q open and ample channel for Southern and
7estern products to the gulf and market, I
ill watch this great work with eager eyes,
I'D aid it according to their means.