The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1882-04-28

Following is the Presidents message
tion Of 81, 100000 for restoring the Missis-
sippi River levees, instead of the 81 ,010, goo
heretofore recommended for that purpose
by the Mississippi Commissions:
To the Senate and House Of Representa-
29th ult., from the Secretary of War, inclosing
q copy of a communication from the Missis-
eippi River Commission, in which the Com
be made of 81, olO 900 for closing the existing
gaps in the levees, in addition to like sum
for which an estimate has already been
Importance, l deem it proper to recon-
mend early and favorable consideration
of the recommendations OF the commits.
sion. Having possession of and juris-
of improving its navigation and protecting
the people of the valley from the floods, had
for years caused surveys of the river to be
made Tor the purpose OF acquiring knowledge
of the laws that control it and of its phe
nomena. BY the act approved June, 1873, the
Mississippi River Commission was created,
act rovides that it shall be the duty of said
commission to take into cOnSidera ion and
mature such plan or plans and estimates as
viii correct permanently locate I and deepen PEI,
Mississippi River, improve and give safety and
ease to the navigation theI eof, prevent de-
structive floods, promote and facilitate COM
merce, trade and the postal service. The con-
stitutionality of the law making appropria-
lions in aid of these objects can not be ques.
toned. While the report of the commission
submitted and the plans proposed for the
river Improvements seem justified as well on
scientific principles as by experience, and on
the approval OF the people most interested,
! desire to leave it to the judgment Of Con-
gresS to decide upon the best plan for the
permanent and complete improvement of the
river and for the protection OF the valley.
The immense loss aud widespread suffering
OF the people dwelling near the river induce
me to urge on Congress the prop iety of not
only making an appropriation to close the
gaps in the levees caused by the racent
foods as recommended by the commits
sion, but that Congress should inaugurate
measures for the permanent improvement of
the navigation OF the river and the security Of
the valley. 1t may be that such q system of
improvement would, as it progressed, require
an appropriation of twenty or thirty million
dollars. Even such an expenditure, extend
ing as it does over several years. can not be
regarded as extrav a. ant, in view of the many
interests involved. The safe and convenient
navigation of the Mississippi is q matter of
concern TO all sections of the country. but to
the Northwest, with its immense har-
vests needing transportation to the sea
and to the inhabitants of the river val.
ley, whose lives and property depend upon
protect them from foods, it is of vital impor-
tance that well matured and comprehensive
plan for the Improvement should be put into
operation with as little delay as possible. The
cotton product of the region subject to devas-
tating Hoods is n source of wealth to the ma
ton. and of great importance in keeping the
balance of trade in our favor. 1t may not be
fnoppoitune to mention that the Government
has imposed and collected some So QUO OCO by
a tax on cotton. in the production of which
the population of the Lower Mississippi is
largely engaged, and it does not seem in.
equitable to return portion of this tax Il
those who contributed to it, particularly a
such otion will also result in an important
of la f;ally
10 the great and rich States of the NorthWes..
and Mississippi Valley.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR
Executive Mansion. 18th April. 1882.