Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-10-15
ESTABLISHED 1850.

ninety per cent. of these swamp lanos. or
more, can be reclaimed, and we are ready to
do the work when the demand for them arises
Reporter-Up to this time, you have been
speaking OF the land purchase. thank YOU
for your candor and frankness, but, If am
not tiresome, l know the public would be
pleased to have your ideas on the Okeechobee
question.
Col. C.-Now you come to what consider
the pet schemes OF the day, and one that will
show greater results from the money expended
than any project ever gotten up In the coun-
try. But this interview is becoming very
lengthy, and have absolutely said more than
intended at the outset
Reporter beg, Colonel, that you will favor
me for a few minutes longer.
Col. C.-Well. The eight millions Of acres
embraced in our drainage contract is simply in
this situation: The water fall of that region is
completely held within the banks of Lake
Qkeechobee, until excessive rains cause a rise
and overflow. and consequent inundation of
the adjacent country, which extends to the
head OF the Ksisimmee Valley, q distance of
over one hundred miles to the north With a
fall of not less than twenty-five feet either to
the Gulf or Atlantic, the only question to be
considered is, will water flow down grade ?"
This, or course, Is in accordance with
natural laws. The next point to settle Is,
inflow, Will there be any overfowt' That is
easily answered. Then, these points being
settled, the next step Is to make these open
ings at the most suitable points. Start them,
which they pass they will very soon deepen
and widen the passage by their own dynamic
force, and soon accomplish the desired object
The lowering or the lake will make a reservoir
for an unusual rainfall and with the canals
continually carrying OF the surplus water. can
there ever be any danger OF future overflow,
and will not the adjoining lands be forever free
from inundationf Our company is now pushing
their preparations vigorously. The land pur-
chase has materially interfered with the WORK
upon the coast canal and Lake Okeechobee.
dredge is now being constructed at Cedar
Key, and another contract has been made for
the building OF boat at Lake Tohopokaliga.
Machinery has also been ordered for another
vessel. to cut from fifty to fifty-fve feet wide.
have been completed we shall be ready to go
to work in earnest
Reporter-Hsye you estimated the cost Of
lowering Okeechobeef
Col. C.-I reply by saying that will take the
contract for lowering the lake six feet for
S150,0O0. l viii also agree to make the cuts on
the East Coast canal. making a channel fifty
feet wide and four deep, for the same amount,
and bind myself to perform both jobs In
one year. These will open an inland steam
boat route for $50 miles, and reclaim
100000 OF acres OF the finest land in
the United States at a cost of $500 600.
This is an immense result to be achieved with
so little capital. Valuing one-half of the Okee-
chobee lands, when reclaimed, at 81, 600, 900 and
the company has made good investment The
cost Will be only per cent. upon the value, at
a very low estimate. would rather have this
stock than that Of the largest dividend-paYing
company upon the entire stock list.
Reporter-You appear to be quite enthusias-
tic Colonel
Colonel C.-I have reason to be. have
based my opinions on facts and careful study
OF the subject for the past three years, with
an intimate knowledge Of the topography OF
that section, derived from my own experience,
a. well as the reports Of scientific engineers
am convinced Of the correctness of my views
faith MI in raod
to take the contracts for the sum specifed.
Now. Mr.: Reporter, as presume You intend
to publish the substance Of this interview,
wish you to make it distinctly appear that the
views have expressed are given to you as an
individual, and not in my official character as
director or superintendent Of the companies
Reporter so understand It, Colonel Much
obliged. Good morning, sir. W.HB.