St. Landry democrat., 1882-05-13
Money for the Mississippi.

Following is the Presidents message
to Congress recommending an appropria-
ton of s., o2o, 900 for restoring the Missis-
sippi River levees, instead of the II, OlO, 600
heretofore recommended for that purpose
by the Mississippi Commission:
To the Senate and House of Representa-
tiSes: transmit herewith letter dated The
29th ult, from the secretary OF War, inclosing
a copy of Il communication from the Missis-
sippi River Commission, in which the Com
mission recommends an appropriation may
be made of 81 100000 for closing the existing
gaps in the levees, in addition to like sum
tor which an estimate has already been
submitted. The subject is one of such
Importance, 1 deem it proper to recon-
mend early and favorable consideration
of the recommendations of the commits
sion. Having possession of and iuris-
diction over the river, Congress, with view
of improving its navigation and protecting
the people of the valley from the floods, had
for years caused surveys OF the river to be
of the laws that control 1t and OF its phe-
nOmena. BY the act approved June, 1879, the
Mississippi River Commission was created,
composed of able engineers Section of the
act provides that it 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 thel eof, prevent de-
merce, trade and the postal service. The con-
stitutionaity of the law making appropria-
tions in aid of these objects can not be ques-
toned. While the report of the commission
submitted and the plans proposed for the
river improvements seem justified as well on
scientific principles AS by experience, and on
/ desire to leave it 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.
ft1 WIGpEnFpn1 SUFFERING
of the people dwelling near the river induce
me to urge on Congress the proptiety of not
only making an appropriation to close the
gaps in the leve@s caused by the racent
floods as recommended by the commits
sion, but that Congl ess should lnaugurate
measures for the permanent improvement of
the navigation of the river and the security Of
the valley. 1t may be that such a system of
improvement would, as it progressed, require
an appropriation of twenty or thirty million
dollars. Even such an expenditure, extend
ing as it does over several years. can not be
regarded as extrayaaant, in view of the many
interests involved. The safe and convenient
concern to all sections of the country, but to
the Northwest with its immen>e 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 floods, it is of vital impor
lance that well 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-
tating foods is a source of wealth to the ma
ton, and of great importance in keeping the
balance of trade in our favor 1t may not be
inopportune to mention that the Government
has imposed and collected some S70,000 geo by
a tax on cotton, in the production of which
the population 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 it, particularly
such 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
and Mississippi Valley.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion. 18th April, 1882.