Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-02-24

An Important Subject-Let Down
the Bars-What should be Bone
and How TO Do It-Our Present
and Prospective Population De-
mand this Improvement IL
Will Effect-GO 20 Work and Put II
Through The Names of Those
who should be Asked to Help
A PrineeIY aud Timely GIfG-OuF
Gain Georgia's LOss-First Day OF
the Fair-An AuspiciOus Opening.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA, February 22.-It is a
matter of the utmost importance to the large
and constantly growing population now resid
ing upon the banks of the st. Johns river and
its tributaries that the present Congress should
make an appropriation that will suffice to
finish the work now in progress upon the bar,
or, at least, to push it as far as possible to-
wards completion. The impediments that
exist at the mouth OF the river very seriously
interfere with its navigation, obstructing COM
merce and checking growth and enterprise.
Were these removed, and a safe and reliable
outlet provided for the products of the valley
or the st. Johns, which embraces an area of
5000 square miles, an immense impulse would
be given to the business interests Of East and
South Florida. The immense forests of valu-
able timber that line the banks of the river for
400 miles will be brought into requisition,
and a great and constantly increasing trade
would give steady and remunerative employ
ment to thousands of laborers Storm driven
vessels Will ind in that river a secure refuge
from the terrible tornadoes that often scourge
our Atlantic coast. With the prospect of the
early completion of the link of railroad to
Pensacola, and thence 10 Mobile and New Or
leans, much of the cotton, grain and Drovision
crops Of the Mississippi valley would find their
way to a market through Jacksonville.
Take away the barriers that nature has
placed at the mouth of our great river, and
stately square rugged vessels from all parts of
the world would crowd our wharveS asking
for cargoes of our rich and valuable products
Swift steamers would transport the perishable
yield OF our fruit trees to all sections of the
country, and bring us in exchange all such
commodities as were required
I6 IS not unreasonable to believe that the
population of Florida will be doubled within
the next decade. That would require an in
crease for the next ten years of thirty thousand
annually. When the present rapid develop
ment of the State is taken into consideration
with the tact that vast tracts of its best and
most tertlle lands are being, for the first time
thrown open to general settlement that rail
roads are penetrating every nook and corner
OF its vast domain and that great amount of
interest, not only among our own countrymen
OuO dlSO dulOuS lOT6ISn QdIlOQS Is now At
tracted to the advantages and resources of
Florida, such an estimate will not be consid-
cred as excessive. The bulk of this population
will centre in East and South Florida of which
section OF the State the St Johns will consti-
tute the natural outlet. In this light the vast
Importance and strong necessity of adapting
this Jhoroughfare to the demands that win be
made upon it will be at once manifest
The following very favorable letter was the
result of the recent visit of inspection of Gen
Glllmore, dated United States Engineers
Ofice: River and Harbor Improvements and
Fortifications on South Atlantic Coast. Fortjf
cations on Staten Island, New York Harbor.
Army Bhilding New York, February 4, 1882:
Col j. j Daniel, Chairman Committee ON I'M
ProUen1e7at Of st. Johns Bar, Jacksonville,
DEAR SIR-I am convinced by an inspection
or the works now in progress at the mouth Of
the ct. Johns river that a marked improve
ment OF the bar channel may be secured dur
ing the next fiscal year. if a liberal appropria-
ton is made by Congress during the present
session. r N0O'''
The south jetty is producing results of the
mosI marked ana encou raging character, and
1t is OF the greatest Importance TO its stability
and safety that it should be carried rapidly for.
ward TO completion.
The sum of $500 600 can be economically ex
pended curing the coming fiscal year, and
trust that steps will be taken to secure a fair
consideration by Congress of this great ma
tional improvement. Very respectfully, your
obedient servant @ A GTrINoPE
III. u, y. "A.
Now it is in the power of the people of
Florida TO aid very materially in obtaining the
appropriation which has been recommended.
III vigorous effort is made by soliciting the
assistance of members of Congress in the way
or personal appeals TO these officials, much
may be accomplished. Our immediate Repre-
sentatives will Of course do all in their power
to promote the end that is desired We have
now in Florida persons of influence from al
most every State in the Union. Letters from
such individuals addressed to old acuuaiu-
tsnces and friends in the national councils
would have due weight and would receive
proper consideration.
The Committee on Appropriations in the
Senate is composed of Messrs. Allison CChair-
man), Logan, Dawes, Plumb, Hale Davis of
West Virginia, Beck Ransom and Cockrill
In the House, Messrs. Hiscock, Robeson.
Cannon, Burrows af Michigan, Butterworth
Caswell, Ryan. O'Neill, Ketcham. Blackburn
and Ellis.
On Commerce e-Senate-McMillan, Chairman:
Jones or Nevada. Kellogg Conger, Miller of
New York; Ransom: Coke. Farley and Vest.
House Page, Richardson of New York
townsend of Ohio, Horr, Washburn, Gambler,
Ward, White, George, Guenther, Reagan Nc,
Lane, Gibson, Ross ard Herndon.
The game is worth the pursuit it costs and
II we can obtain the necessary depth Of water
on the bar, lands along the entire valley of the
st. Johns will rapidly appreciate in value and
JacksonVllle will at once take rank as a great
commercial emporium, whose white winged
messengers will penetrate all seas and oceans
The munlfcent donation by Hamilton Diss-
ton, of 1900 acres of lard to the exied Russian
Jews, soon expected in Philadelphia, was a
signal Illustration of the broad and catholic
charity which is one of his brightest charac-
teristics. Such an offer to an oppressed peo-
pie, flying from their homes, and in dire need
OF sympathy and assistance, is most timely and
considerate, and Indicates the possession of a
nature allied to the great brotherhood OF hu-
man1ty, and acutely sensitive to the call OF
distress and suffering Mr.. Disston has done
noble act, and merits the thanks of all phlan-
thropists
The recent purchase by Mr. Sam. w. Small
lOld Sl), late OF the Atlanta Constitution of a
half interest in the Daily Union of this city will
largely increase the influence of that journal
and add to its already fine reputation Mr.
small g ands high in the roster Of journalists
and is well and favorably known in literary
circles. He will find in Florida many new
themes for the enjoyment Of his facile and
graceful pen, aud will win fresh fame in the |
field of letters
A run over TO the fair ground yesterday af- |
ternoon convinced me that the present exposi- |
ion would be the best and most varied Of |
any previously held in Florida. Many |
II the exhibits were not yet in posi- |
ion, and the building wes net in apple |
pie order. IL is particularly rich in the pro- |
iucts OF the soil. and the display of vegetables
s splendid and abundant. The winter has |
been very mild, and there has been no serious |
,heck to vegetation. Florida is the only |
state IN this broad Union that can get up such |
In exhibition in mid-winter In this respect it |
S absolutely unapproachable.
Fruits were iQ abundance and of the choicest |
md finest varieties. There was also a large |
collection of cut and growing flowers. The at |
enhance for the first day was satisfactory |
ne Iacllltles Tor reaching the grounds are |
.mp'e and comfortable The city is now nearly |
ull and will be crowded by Thursday.
he exhibition. W.H.R.