The Evening critic., 1882-08-22
cowpoN,s GOT A CHANCE.
Having Been sat Upon by the Ends
Lobby Congress, Now Proposes 20
SEQ What IL All NIennS.

Lobby congress-, NOW Proposts w
SEQ what 10 All Means.
The following from the Arkansas (Llttle
Rock) Ddiiy OdseHo is interesting and suggest
ivo:
"Tho appointment OF special committee
by the House to Investigate the Mississippi
River improvements, In connection with the
various plans adopted or urged, ia not telished
IN certain quarters whore loyalty to Captain
Eads' projects ranks above tho Federal Con-
stltutlon. Washington special OF tho 7th to
the New orleans Times. Democrat regards tho
action OF the House good stroke OF business
for Captain Cowdon's outlet theory, which 1t
doubtless will prove, II tho committee dig for
facts and possess tho courage to report them
next winter. This special says:
''Evor since tho defeat Of his Lake Borgno
scheme, he and his friends have boon coast.
Ing about for some way TO bring his outlet
theory Into prominence again. He was greatly
depressed when the Rivor and Harbor bill
passed, but the veto revived his hopes again,
and when the bill was passed ovor the veto no
was seized with another III OF depression.
"Under tho influence OF an encouraging
talk from some OF those who believe In his
outlet theory, ho went 10 work ngain and was
so successful as 10 get n resolution through
the House today, authorizing the appoint
mont OF a committee 10 inspect the river from
Cairo 10 the gulf, and 10 Investigate the pro-
posed plan OF tho River Commission for Inn
proving the rlvcr; also, TO Inquire into tho
outlet and 1etty systems.
"Tho committee is composed OF nino mem
bers OF tho House, and they are allowed $780,
600 for their trip. The whole scheme was
worked up by cowdon and his friends since
tho passage OF tho River and Harbor bill, and
tho purpose Is TO get n favorable report for
the outlet plan II possible. The resolution
passed without dissenting voice, because 1t
was not generally understood that II was
scheme in the Interest OF Cowdon.
"The passageof the resolution was urged on
q. ~ ltnt nnttr n
large sum of money for the Improvement OF
tile rivor, and It would probably bo called on
FOR millions more, and that therefore com.
mittee OF Congress should investigate and re-
mort whether or not beneficial results were
likely 10 now from the expenditure OF the
moneys II the plans Of tho River Commission
came from the Committee on Appropriations,
which gave It more character than II otherwise
would have had.
resolution; Butterworth, OF Ohio; Hazelton,
OF Wisconsin; Thomas, OF Illinois; Hiscock OF
New York; Robinson, OF Massachusetts; Car
lisle, OF Kentucky; Holman, OF Indiana, and
Ellis, OF Louisiana, compose the committee,
and Burrows, Butterworth, Hiscock, Carlisle,
Holman, ana Hazeltlno are reported favorable
TO the outlet theory-at least so far as their In.
formation goes. But the author OF tho special
dispatch thinks all OF them, except Holman,
are reasonable men and open to conviction
and adds; 1T is astonishing how much igno-
rance there is among congressman respecting
the Mississippi
"Thero can bo little doubt about the ignor.
ance. Nor is there any doubt that Captain
Eads has turned II TO account. But from this
ignorance springs strong reason for the pro-
posed investigation. AS It's bare suggestion
has caused so lively n flutter among the elc-
merits that have been fighting and misrepre-
senting Cowdon, the Inference is irresistible
that the fright proceeds from fear that some-
bodys plans may be interrupted. II, rs tho
especial champions OF Captain Eads'
charge, Cowdon's theory is ridiculous, n lit
tic light turned on In the proper places Will
a lou atN1 gtr Naftt. hn IN
Cowdon Is without money. Nature never de-
signed him for the lobby. He Is plain,
straightforward old man, who knows great
deal about the Mississippi River, and posses.
SOS certain theories whose practicability have
been mt least partially demonstrated. 1t is a
fact Of common notoriety that the power OF the
lobby has been used TO crush Cowdon, to drive
him from tho contest, and II Speaker Kelfer
has appointed a committee certain TO do JUS
tice by obtaining and reporting the facts, he
has performed one OF the few meritorious acts
OF his of1lcial career. Inasmuch as Con-
gress does not hesitate to vote large sums
| to develop theories OF whose practicability
grave doubts exist In the minds of 80 many
| who have closely studied tho Mississippi
| River problem, why should 30 flerce an attack
be made because It Is now proposed to investi-
II not quite shownf Other persons with wholly
undeveloped theories have been heard and
aided. Why deny Captain Cowdon a chance !?
II he is simply visionary, lunatic, exposi'
tion OF tho fact will silence him forever"
AS is also this, from the same paper OF an
| other date;
| sJust before adjournment tho House ap
| pointed n special committee, consisting oi
Burrows, of Michigan, as chairman; Butter
| worth, of Ohio; Robinson, OF Massachusetts;
| Hazleton, of Wisconsin; Hiscock, o; Now
York; Thomas, of Illinois; Holman, OF Indi
| ana, and Ellis, of Louisiana, to take trip
| down the Mississippi River from Carlo
| TO the jetties, examine the work, the
methods and the plans of Improvement
under the River Commission, and TO consider
| the outlet and lefty systems and report thereon
aNtl IN .l,n=a 20 tlNt
committee keep their eyes and ears open, and
Investigate diligently for tho sake of truth
they may possibly mako few discoveries tina
| Will not be relished IN certain quarters. Cap
tain John Cowdon should be invited to accom-
| pany the committee. He Is man who know!
| a few facts about the Mississippi River calcu
| lated to surprise persons who want facts"
Charges Against COnkIing Reitcr