The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1882-04-27
Money for the mississippi.

Following is the Presidents message
to Congress recommending an appropria-
tion Of -, ,O20, 900 for restoring the Missis-
sippi River levees, instead of the 81, 010, 900
heretofore recommended for that purpose
by the Mississippi Commission:
To the Senate and House of Representa-
tiNes: l transmit herewith "A letter dated the
29th ult., from the Secretary of War; inclosing
n copy of a communication from the MtSsts-
sippi River Commission in which the Com
mission lecommends an appropriation may
be made OF 81 ,OlO 900 for closing the existing
gaDs in the IevCcs in addition to a like sum
tor which estimate has already been
submitted. The subject is one of such
importance, / deem it proper to recon-
of the recommendations of the commits
sion. Having possession of and Jur1s-
OF improving its navigation ana protecting
the people of the valley from the foods had
made for the purpose OF acquiring knowledge
of the laws that control it and of its phe-
nomena. by the act approved June, 1873, the
MlsSlSslpp1 tlNeF commission was created,
composed of able engineers. Section of the
act provides that it shall be the duty of said
commission TO take INTO consldera ion ond
mature such plan or plans and estimates as
will correct, permanently locate, and deepen
the channel and protect the banks OF the
Mississippi River, improve and give safety and
ease to the navigation thereof, prevent de-
structive floods, promote and facilitate COM
mcrcc, trade and the postal service. The con-
stitutionality of the law making appropria-
tiOns in aid of these objects can not be ques-
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 70 the Judgment of Con-
Eress to decide upon the best plan for the
permanent and complete improV ement 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 propriety of not
only making an appropriation TO close Inc
gaps in the levees caused by the raCent
floods as recommended by the commits
sion. but that Congress should inaugurate
the navigation Of the river and the security cf
the valley. 1t may bc that such system of
improvement would, as il progressed, require
an Appropriation OF twenty or thirty mullOu
dollars. Even such an expenditure, extend
ing as it does over several years, can not be
regarded as cxtraVae ant in view Of the many
interests involved. The safe and cOnvenient
navigation of the Mississippi is n matter of
cone ern. TO all sections of the country, but to
the Northwest, with its lmmenso har-
vests needing transportation TO the sea-
and to the inhabitants of the river val
ley, whose lives and property depend upOn
the proper construction of safeguards which
protect them from foods, IL is of vital fmpOr-
tance that a well -nHtured and comprehensive
plan for the improvements should be put into
operation with ms little delay as possible The
cotton product OF the region subject to devas-
tiOn, and of great importance in keeping tho
balance of trade in our favor. IL may not be
inopportune to mention that the Governments
has imposed and collected some SO, ,0oe eco by
"A tax on cotton, i'm the production OF which
the population of the Lower Mississippi is
largely engaged, and it does not seem in
those who contributed to IT., particularly as
such action viii also result in an important
gain TO the country az large, and especially 50
TO the great and rich states of the Northwest
and Mississippi Valley.
Executive Mansion, 18th April, lss2.