The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1882-04-29
Money for the Mississippi.

Following is the Presidents message
to Congress recommending an appropria-
tion Of s., 900 for restoring the Mssis-
sippi River levees, instead of the 81 ,010, 900
heretofore recommended for that purpose
by the Mississippi Commissions
To the Senate and House of Representa-
thes: l trans mit herewith Il letter dated the
29th ult., from the secretary of War, inclosing
copy OF Il communication from the MiSsis-
sippi River Commission, in which the Com
mission recommends an appropriation may
be made OF 81 0l0 600 for closing the existing
gaps in the levces, in addition to ike sum
Tor which am estimate has already been
submitted. The subject is one of such
Importance, ! deem II proper to recon-
mend early and favorable considerat on
OF the recommendations of the commits
sion. Having possession of and iuIis-
diction over The river, Congress, with view
OF improving it, navigation and protecting
the people of the valley from the floods, had
Tor years caused surveys of the river to be
made for the purpose of acquiring knowledge
OF the laws that control it aud of its phe-
nomena BY the act approved June, 1879, the
mississippi River Commission was created,
composed of able engineers. Section OF the
act rovides that it shall be the duty OF said
commission to take into considera ion and
mature such plan or plans and estimates us
viii correct, permanently locate, and deepen
the channel and protect the banks of the
Mississippi River, improve and give safety and
ease to the navigation the eof prevent de-
stluctive foods, promote and facilitate com
merce, trade and the postal service. The con-
stitutionality OF the law making appropIia-
tons in aid of these obieci can not be ques-
toned. While the report of the commission
submitted and the plans proposed for the
river improvements seem JUSTIFIED rs well on
scientific principles as by experience, and on
the approval OF the people most interested,
l desire to leave it to the Judgment Of Con-
gress to decide upon the best plan for the
permanent and complete improy ement of the
river and for the protection of the valley.
The immense loss and widespread suffering
a o / Won n Il II On
me to urge on Congress tie propiety of not
only making an appropriation TO close tho
gaps IN the levers caused by the raCcnt
hoods as recommended by the commits
sion, but that Congress shOuid inaugurute
measures tor the permanent imp Ovemcnt of
the navigation of the river and the security
the valley. II may be that >uch q system of
improN enc mt would, as IL IrOgrefa,ed require
an appropriation of twenty or thlr,y million
dollars. Even such an expenditure, extend
ing as 1t does over se' eral years. can not be
regarded as eXtray a. ant, in view Of the many
interests involved. The safe and convenient
navigation of the Mississippi l. a matter Of
conc ern to MI sections OF the country, but to
the Northwest, with its immcn.e har-
vests needing transportation to the zen,
ana to the inhabitants Of the river vai-
ley, whose lives and property depend upon
the proper construction Of safeguards which
protect them from foods, It is of vital impor
lance that well matured and comprehensive
plan for the improvem mt rhoud be put into
operation with as little delay as possible The
cotton product OF the region subject to devas-
tating Hoods is source of wealth TO the ma
ton, and Of great Importance in keeping the
balance of trade in our favor. II may not be
inoppoItune to mention that the GOV eminent
has imposed and collected sorre 10000, OOO by
a tax on cotton. in the production Of when
the population of the Lower Mississippi is
largely engaged, ana IL does not seem in
equitable to return a potion of this tax to
those who contributed to il, particularly as
such action will also result I'm an important
gain 10 the country at large, and especially 50
to the great and rich States of the Northwest
aud Mississippi Valley.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR
Executive Mansion, Itch April, 1882.