The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1875-11-04
.Knnauha Birer Improrement.

Kanawha River Improvement
As the time draws near for Con-
gress to assemble, We cannot but ex-
press feryent hope that another ap-
preparation may be secured for the
Improvement Of the Great Kanawha
River. To.Mr. Hereford, the Repre-
sentative from this District, the peo-
pie are.indebted, for the introduction
ii three bills in the House of Repre-
scntatiyes during bis three terms of
Office; one. for s25, 600, the second for
$4,000, and the thirdfor 100000, all
of which we're granted, making the
total aggregate sum Of $4,000; more
than has ever been obtained from,
or expended by, the general govern
ment in this part Of West Virginia
since the government was formed
As all bills Of this nature must orig
mate in the House, not unmindful Of
past services, We hope Mr.. Hereford
will renew his efforts in this behalf
While it is true that the Representa-
tive living in the District embody-
ing this great work, would feel a
more immediate interest in the pros
ecution of the improvement, yet it is
anenterprise which passes the bounds
OF any District, or even State, and ap-
peals to the nation for aid. With
the able assistance Of Hon. Chas. ].
Faulkner and Col. Ben. Wilson in
the House, and Hon. Henry G. Davis
and Hon. A. T. Caperton in the SEN
ate, NC have great hopes for future
appropriations. As it is, the whole
Kanawha VALLEY is feeling the ben
efts of the appropriations already
secured. Navigation has not been
suspended for a single day upon the
Kanawha during the past summer,
although the water was extremely
low. This was owing to the efficicn-
cy Of the dredge boats; and now as we
are to have nothing next year but
contraction, scarcity Of money and a
stagnation of business generally, the
expenditure of $4,000 will be a
god.send to this Valley.
Since the above was written and
in type, We have received the follow
ing correspondence, including an alb
stract of General Humphreys Re-
port recommending an appropriation
of 81, 100000 for the improvement of
the Kanawha River next year, and
which has received the endorsement
and approval of the Secretary Of
War. Hon. Henry G. Davis, was one
OF the prime workers in securing this
recommendation for an appropriation
of this large sum to be used upon our
river for its improvement by locks
and dams. Mr.. Davis made visit
to Washington specially connected
with the improvement of the Kama
wha, and while there gave his atten-
ton to obtaining a clear and full re-
cognition of the interests Of the ka-
nawha Valley. Nobly has he done
his work and for the interest he has all
along shown for our people, We feel
justified in saying that he will not
be forgotten by them when comforting
their honors in 1876.
In reply to q request Of Mr.. Davis,
the War Department caused the fol
lowing letter 70 be addressed to him:
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON CRY,
October y, 1875.
SENATOR II. G.. DAVIS,
Piedmont, West Virginia,
DEAR S1R-In compliance with
your verbal request Of yesterday. l
enclose here with acopy ofthe Report
OF the Chief of Engineers upon the i'm
provement of the Great kanawha
River as contained in his annual re-
port for the present year.
Very respectfully yours.
H. T. CROSBY,
Chief Clerk.
The report to which reference is
made in the foregoing is herewith
appended:
IMPROVEMENT OF THE GREAT KANAwHA
RIVER.
The supervision of this work was
transferred by Major Merrill to Major
Craighill about the middle Of August,
1874. The summary of operations up
to that time is printed in the lastan-
nual report.
On the 18th OF August a special
project for the temporary improve
ment of the river was submitted by