The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1882-04-26
MISSISSIPPI LEVEES.
The Presidents Message 10 Congress
Recommending n SEQ, 200, 900 Appre-
priation to Restore the Same.

The Presidents Message 10 Congress
Recommending n SEQ, 1000, 900 Appre-
priation to Restore the same.
WASHINGTON, April 1S.-The following is
the Presidents message to Congress recon-
mending the Appropriation of S2O2O,oOO for
restoring the Mississippi River levees, in
stead of 81, o10 900 heretofore recommended
for that purpose by the Mississippi Commits
sion.
transmit herewith a letter dated the 10Th ult
rom the Secretary OF War enclosing n copy of the
communication from the Mississippi River Com
mission in which The Commission recommends
an appropriation may be made 81, Ol0O 600 for clos
ing the existing gaps in the leyees In addition to
like sum. for which estimate has already
of such Importance I deem it proper to recon-
mend the early and favorable consideration OF the
recommendations of the Commission having pos
session of and jurisdiction over the river. Con-
gTess, with view of improving its navigation
and protecting the people OF the valley from
floods had for years caused surveys OF the river 10
be made for the purpose of acquiring knowledge
Of the laws that control 1t and OF its phenomena.
BY the approved June d, 1879, the Mississippi
engineers Section of the act provides that il
shall be the duty OF said Commission to take into
consideration aud mature suchplan or plans and
estimates will correct. permanently locate and
deepen the channel and protect the banks oil the
Mississippi River, improve and give safety ana
ease 10 the navigation thereof prevent destructive
and the postal service. The eonstitutionality OF
the law maxi z the appropriations in aid OF
these objects can not be Questioned, and while
the report of the Commission submitted plans for
proposed river improvements seems justified as
well on scientific principles IS by experience, and
the approval of the people most interested. de-
sire TO leave it 10 the judgment OF Congress TO de-
eide upon the best plan for the improvement OF
the river, an for the protection of the valley.
The immense loss aud widespread suffering OF
the people dwelling near the river induce me to
urge upon Congress the proDriety, not only OF
making an appropriation to close the gaps in the
leyees OccasiOued by the recent floods, as recon-
mended by the Commission, but that Congress
should inaugurate measures Tor the permanent
improvement of the navigation OF the river and
the protection OF the valley ~ may be That su en-
a system of improvement would as IL progressed
require an appropriation OF $50 900 900 or S30OOO,
600. Even such an expenditure extending IL
must over several years, can not be regarded as
eXtravagant, aud IN view OF the immense interests
involved the safe convenient navigation OF the
Mississippi River, Is matter OF concern to all
sections OF the county, but 10 the North
west, with Its immense harvest needing
TRANSFORMATION 10 the and TO the Inhabitants OF
the river valleys whose lives and property depend
upon the proper construction of safeguards
which protect them from floods, ii is of vital i'm
| pOrtaDce that well matured and comprehensive
plan for the improvement shOu be put into Op-
Grafton with little delay possible. The cot
ton product of the reglOA subject to devastating
| floods is source of wealth to the Nation. and
great importance in keeping balances OF trade III
| our favor It may not be inopportune to mention
that this Government has imposed and collected
some $4,000 GOO Dy tax on cotton, in the produc-
ton of which the population OF the lower Mlssls-
sippi is largely engaged, aud il does not seem
those who contributed it, particularly such &C
ton would also result in an important gain TO the
country at large. and especially so to the great
and rich States of the Northwest and Mississippi
| Valley. tSigned) CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
| Executive Mansion, April IL 1882.