Huntsville gazette., 1882-04-29

Following is the Presidents message
to Congress recommending an appropria-
ton of 81, 900 for restoring the Missis-
sippi River leyees, instead Of the 81 ,O10, 600
heretofore recommended for that purpose
by the Mississippi Commission:
To the Senate and House of Representa-
tNes: transmit herewith letter dated the
with ult., from the Secretary of War, inclOsing
acopv of communication from the Missis-
sippi River Commission, in which the Com
mission recommends an appropriation may
DC made OF 81 0l0 000 for closing the existing
gaps in the levces, in addition to Ike sum
1or which an estimate has already been
submitted. The subject is one of such
Importance l deem it proper to recon-
mend early and favorable consideration
OF the recommendations of the commits
SION. Having possession of and juriS-
uicuon over The river, Congress, with view
vi VI improving its navigation and protecting
t tne peope OF the valley from the floods, had
Ior years caused surveys of the river to be
ni"1e ior the purpose of acquiring knowledge
ol me laws that control 1t and of its phe
,mu9Hleha BY the act approved June, 1879, the
MisSlsslppi River Commission was created,
oohlposed OF able engineers. Section 4 of the
aot lroVldes that it shall be the duty of said
euliiihlssion to take into considera ion and
mature MAJ such plan or plans and estimates as
WI nlll correct, permanently locate, and deepen
Me- Snannel and protect the banks of the
ease 10 the navigation thereof prevent de-
s,luctiVe hoods, promote and facilitate COM
mercr, trade and the postal service The con-
stit1.utiohaiity tinn OF the law making appropria-
,; os III aiu OF these objects can not be 0ues-
noned. While the report of the commission
suoin tted and the plans proposed for the
iNer M improvements seem justified as well on
tSa SSiellllc @ principles as by experience, and on
"ppioNai OF the people most interested,
deslre to leave it to the Judgment of Con.
@ S@less 10 decide upon the best plan for the
Tinanent and complete improv e1nent Of the
Tbo ei ;u anu Ior the protection of the valley.
NJ .h iItliehse loss and widespread suffering
VI 'he people dwelling near the river jnduce
y a 10 urge on Congress the propricty of not
yn s making an appropriation to close the
fooSs III the levets caused by the racent
sion rs recommended by the commits
nnh bnt that Congr e-s should inaugurate
tbbeSures Tor the permanent Improvement of
tb be navigation of the river and the security of
imnratne!. It may be that such a system of
An ntoNcneht would as it progressed, require
appropriation of twenty or thirty million
inc i1s. as: Even such an expenditure, extend
res, 20 y uoes over several years, can not be
intercstee ~; as eAtrav asant, in view of the many
neri's involved. The safe and convenient
con 1' isatlon OF the Mississippi is a matter of
tbe e[n I'm 10 all sections of the country, but to
vest Norlhwest, with its immense har-
ana 70 aneeuing transportation to the sea,
lev ~, ~ the inhabitants of the river val
th.a' ,ere mIose lives and property depend upon
ro,pIeper construction of safeguards which
tanno u tnem from floods, it is of vital impOr-
nIan fo elat we'll matured and comprehensive
onera.;a 1Sl lhe Improvement should be put into
cdttor "on , with as little delay as possible. The
tatinIr product OF the region subject to devas-
tion noo1s is a source of wealth to the ma
bala,nniniu aiiu OF great importance in keeping the
inonno, y. vi trade in our favor. 1t may not be
has SpiIoltnne ipo,ne to mention that the Government
a atar poseu and collected some S7O,OtO eco by
the the no, "m cotton, in the production of which
lsroapI'u, equation of the Lower Mississippi is
eon}tab, engaged. and it does not seem in
t1Gse uie r,h TO return portion of this tax to
gain tn actlon will also result in an important
to tho W tne country at large, and especially 50
a,d NJ great and rich States of the NorthW est
~-" mississippi Valley.
FYao,,.. CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
TN''a''Ye Mansion, 18th April, 1882.