The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-12-22
The Commission of Engineers.

The State Commission of Engineers met
yesterday, ex-Gov. Hebert presiding over
Hon. G. W. R. Bayley and the Secretary.
The minutes of the previous meeting were
read and corrected, showing that the total
amount of work ordered upon the report OF
the Chief State Engineer would exceed the
estimates by 12,175 cubic yards, in conse-
quence of which it was decided to reduce
some of the estimates and orders.
The State Engineer reported an open hole
in the Wood Levee parish of I5ervile, which
would require line Of levee S54 feet IN
length and feet high, requiring at least 640O
yards of EARTH
Several communications were read from
parties residing along the river, relative to
he present condition of the levees. One was
rom James Stewart, PRECEDENT of the New
Orleans and Pacific Railway, complaining Of
the north bank of Bayou Latourche, at the
bridge crossing, which requires protection
Immediately by double revetments. Also
communication from the Superintendent OF
the BArataria Canal Company regarding new
rear gates to the lock.
Next, the Secretary submitted petition
from the citizens of CatahouIa parish, asking
for levee repairs. The State Engineer was re-
quested to examine into and report upon the
repairs needed.
On motion, the Chief State Engineer was
authorized to forward to the Levee Company
at once all orders for immediate work with
out the usual red tape formula heretofore re-
sorted to.
I A Communication was read from citizens OF
| the parish of Ibervllle regarding the levees
! in that parish. Referred to the 5 ate En-
! gineer, with request that he make the sur
vey and report the estimate.
On molten, the work already commenced on
the N core end Rogers levee was ordered sus-
pended until further orders, and the Levee
Company instructed accordingly. This will
reduce the excess in the estimate fully 5000
yards.
Upon motion, further action upon the
Delta I evee was postponed until the report OF
Capt. Welburn is received.
There being no further business the Com
mission adjourned subject to call.
During the session the matter OF the viola
ton of the laws regarding the protection OF
the levees was discussed. The Chief Ea-
gipeer stated that it had been reported to
him that in some parts of the State the crown
of the levees were being constantly used as
wagon roaGs aad race courses, which was ex-
tremely injurious and great expense to the
tia building OF roads had been entirely aban,
doned and the levees were the only thorough
fares 7 simply called the attention OF the
board to the reports.
In connection with this subject it is under
stood that the commission will in their forth
coming report thoroughly canvass this sub
jest, and will recommend the passage OF lawi
that will make it even criminal ofense IL
ride or drive upon the crown of any leve'
built in the State
They will recommend also that rice tiues b.
not constructed except upon specifications o
such construction assuring the safety OF tn
levees.
They will recommend also that cuts in tht
levees by private individuals or corporation
shall lie closed under an order OF the Com
mission at given time, when the river /
rising. They viii call attention to the fac
that the crevasse at Bonnet Care, IN 1871
Was caused simply by the neglect TO close on
of these cuts in time.
} The attention Of the Legislature will ais
be called to the matter of the maintenance c
the leyees of the river by the National Gov
eminent.