National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-23

THE JETTY BILL AT SOUTHWEST PASS.
The bill passed by the House is, in some
important features, an improvement upon
that reported in the Senate during last ses-
sion. The former bill, if we recollect
rightly, did not provide for supervision of
the works in any degree by the Govern
ment, but the present makes it the duty of
the Secretary of War ''to report during the
construction of the works herein author
"ized all important facts relating to the
progress of the same, the materials used,
land the character and permanency with
(Which the said jetties and auxiliary works
care being constructed, to the end that the
Congress of the United States may be
"kept fully advised as to the faithfulhess
"and efficiency with which the said works
care being executed by the said Eads and
associates, it being expressly understood
"that while said Eads shall be untrammeled
Gin the exercise of his judgment and skill
Gin the location, design and construction
"of said jetties and auxiliary works, the
"intent of this act is not simply to secure
"the wide and deep channel first above
"named, but likewise to provide for the
construction of thoroughly permanent
"works by which said channel may be
maintained for all time after their COM
"pletion and in case the Secretary of War
"shall be of the opinion that this work IS
"not being constructed according to the
Esprit and intent of this act, he shall re-
4 I,oe fO TnpUraso of fho 81;
moment thereafter for its action"
This is very important provision, which,
we learn from the remarks of Mr.. Conger
during the discussion in the House, was
considered with much care by the Commit
tee on Commerce; and we think 1t may be
regarded as virtually notice to Captain
Eads and his associates that if their works
shall not be of proper character, a succeed
ing Congress, with the facts officially re-
ported ''for its action, will be very apt to
repeal the act.
The bill is improved in the comparatively
lower price to be paid in the guarantee for
permanence of works and channel, and in
the above clause, providing for the neces-
sary and proper supervision by the Gov
eminent.
In fact if we regard the $4,000, 900 re-
served and the fund of $3.50, 900 year, as
together constituting the guarantee for the
twenty years maintenance of channel, we
have substantially five millions out of eleven
as security for the character of the works
and the success of their operation. 1t is
only just to remark, in this connection,
that by his acceptance of the concession in
its present shape, Captain Eads will be
giving a practical evidence of his good
faith towards the Government and the
public.
The first official estimate for jetties at
Southwest Pass was $25, III, 52S, by the
board on St Philip canal, in their report
dated January IS, 1874. The second was
$23, 600, 900, by the chief engineers during
last session of Congress. The third is
SIC, 053, 124, by the select commission of
engineers after examination of similar works
in Europe. As the compensation fixed in
the bill is $685. 124 below the lowest
official estimate, there is no likelihood that
the work will ever be done for less
sum.
The bill is Of very great importance in
its relation to the navigation and commerce
of large section of the country, and also
in the sums Of money to be paid. Hence
it had received, not only In the proper COM
mittee, but by the members of the House
generally, the patient and careful consid-
Grafton due to its subject and provisions;
and the fact that it passed by an almost
unanimous vote is good evidence that it
was regarded as the best measure for the
purpose likely or possible to be devised
during the session.
We are so near the close of this Congress
that if bill is to be passed at all for the
mouth of the Mississippi it will most proba-
bly, be this one, in the shape given it by
the House. Knowing the pressure of bust
ness, and approaching the genuine desire
Of the people for some action looking to
definite results, it is q comfort to be as
sured, as we are, on careful examination
Of this bill, that should it be matured into
a law, the jetty system-whose success, If
judiciously applied, is not questioned-will
be put to trial under circumstances 10 give
1t the fairest test at the least possible risk
to the Treasury; and the act for the i'm.
provement Of the river mouth, although in
fact only matter of right and justice, will
be regarded as boon among the people Of
part Of the country where its influence
can only be Of beneficial character