The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1882-07-06
Improving the Wateree.

Improving the Wateree.
A few weeks ago we mentioned
the fact that an appropriation Of S15,
600 had been made for improving the
navigation of the Wateree. Also.
that 5000 had formerly been ap
propriated by Congress for the same
purpose. The $4,000 has been used
up and scarcely two miles Of the river
has been cleared of logs; whereas,
we believe (and we speak from in
formation derived from persons who
are well acquainted with the river)
that ten times this distance should
have been cleared. |. We sincerely
trust that the present appropriation
will not be gobbled up in the, same way
but that this sum (the 5,0OO should
be awarded to a mau or company
who will do enough work to entitle
them to q color of claim to the mon-'
ey. We don't care to see thejobbery
and corruption of Washington and
New York brought into practice
down here.
Capt. w. W. Skinner, formerly
Captain of the steamer that ran ups
on our river, is probably better ac,
quainted with the Wateree than any
other man in, or out OF, the State.
He has made what we consider O
very fair proposition, and one which
we hope our people will do their ut
most to get the proper authorities
to accept, He knows exactly what
is needed in the river, and where
work Will do the most good.
Again, his proposition to run his,
steamer upon the river after COM
pleting the work; would be of meal,
culable: benefit to all the people liy:
ingalong II. The immense amount
Of naval stores, cotton, rice, etc. pro~
ansed i'm Yssssral y Gree haFa e
ne hauled Tor i6ng distance nov
b4 wagons before they can reach a
and thus entail q heavy ex-
pense upon the farmer which would
be saved ifa steamer were running on
the river.
We have just received letter from
Capt. Skinner, and we give it below
in order that our people may more
properly understand his offer, and
we hope to see some united action
taken by them in order to have him
placed in charge of the work.
WILMINGTON, N. c.. june, "a. 1882.
Mr. EDITOR; In your issue of the Cam
den JOURNAL ofthe 22d instant, ! am pleased
to note that recent Governmental appropria-
tions have increased the fund Tor the
clearance oftho Watcree river, to Sl5,.
600. understand that, there being No
draw in the Rail Road bridge, the steamer
now engaged in prosecuting the work is un-
able to get beyond that point, and conse-
ouently, her operations are considerably
restricted. The object of this communi-
cation is to inform you that / am now in
command of new steamer recently built
at this place, and now plying between here
and Fayetteville, N. C. This boat Is splen.
didy. adapted to the navigation of the
Wateree, and if sufficient inducements were
held out, I would transfer il to your waters.
If the engineer in charge of the improve.
ments will charter this boat on terms as
favorable and liberal as those extended to
the Marion" will .otligate to put her
beyond the bridge and remove the OBJ
structicns which now prevent successful
navigation between that point. and Cam
den. When the work is completed I will
leave the steamer on the line and establish
regular passenger and freighting facilities
between the TIVE points. It is only neces.
sary for so respectable and influential q
journal as your own to take the initiative
10 insure q hearty cooperation ofull who are
interested in the development of your Sec
ton of South Carolina. Petitions from
your citizens praying lhe removal of OBJ
structious which prevent this stream being
utilized woul d, think, meet with favora-
BILE recognition OF the hands of those having
the work in charge, and any communication
addressed to me in regard to its furtherance
will receive my most instant attention.
Yours truly,
". W. SKINNER.
Not Partial, but Complete