Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1882-05-04

Following is the Presidents message
to Congress recommending an appropria-
tion of 8, 100000 for restoring the Missis-
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-
tiVes: transmit herewith a letter dated the
29th ult, from the Secretary of War, inclosing
q copy of a communication from the Nlissis-
sippi River Commission, in which the Com
mission recommends an appropriation may
be made of 81 ,0l0 600 for closing the existing
for which an estimate has already been
submitted. The subject is one of such
importance, 1 deem 1t proper to recon-
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 tCr the purpose OF acquiring knowledge
OF the laws that control it and of its phe-
nomena. BY the act approved June, 1879, the
Mississippi River Commission was created,
compose ed of able engineers. Section OF the
act provides that il shall be the duty of said
commission to take into considera ion and
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 foods, promote and facilitate COM
merce, trade and the postal service The con-
etitutiOnality of the law making appropTia-
tons in aid of these objects can not be Ques-
toned. While the report of the commission
river IMPROVEMENTS seem justifed as Wen on
scientific principles as by experience, and on
the approval OF the people most interested,
i desire to leave 1t 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 and widespread suffering
of the people dwelling near the river induce
me to urge on Congress the proptiety of not
x,r,ly- ING lott a1n 4la
gaps in the levees caused by the racent
floods 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 system of
improvement would, as it progressed, require
an appropriation of twenty or thirty million
dollars. Even such an expenditure, extend
ing as it docs over several years. can not be
regarded as extravagant, in view of the many
interests involved. The safe and convenient
navigation of the Mississippi is q matter of
corit arm TO all sections of the country, but to
vests needing transportation to the sea,
and to the inhabitants of the river wall
ley, whose lives and property depend uron
the proper construction of safeguards which
protect them from Hoods, it is of vital irnpor-
lance that we'll -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-
tatng Hoods is a source of wealth to the ma
ton and of great Importance in keeping the
balance of G. ade in our favor. 1t may not he
inoppoltune to mention that the Governments
has imposed and collected some s10,ooO,Oc0 by
the popuiation' of the Lower Mississippi is
largely engaged, and it does not seem in
equitable to return portion OF this tax TO
those who contributed to ii, particularly as
snch action will also result in an important
gain to the country at large, and especially so
to the great and rich States OF the Northwest
LII" CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion. 18th April, lss2