Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-11-19
INTERES TING INTERVIEW
With Senator J. D. Walker on
Topics Of the Day.
He Speaks Freely of the Missis
Hppi River improvements.
Political Chances of the Demo
cratic Party-MeDOnald His
FaVOrite-The Tariff, Car
Isle and Randall.
Little Rock Gazette. II,

Little Rock Gazette, II,
United States Senator j. d. Walk
er, OF Fayetteville, arrived yesterday
morning and was interviewed by a
Gazette reporter upon several matters
that are OF absorbing interest to the
public at the present time. Tho Sen.
ator has just finished his duties as one
OF the Senate Committee to inspect
the Mississippi river improvements
Two weeks ago the eommittee, con-
ststing Of Senator John A. Logan, Of
Illinois, Chairman; Senator B. I.
Jonas, Of Louisians; Senator Philetus
Sawyer, of Wisconsin, and Senator
Walker, left Rock Island on the gov
eminent steamer General Barnard
They inspected all the improvements
made under the supervision Of the
Mississippi River Commission, from
the point Of starting to the jetties be-
low New Orleans. The committee
was accompanied by Deputy Sergeant
alarms Christy, Mr.. Shue, stenogra-
phcr, and Mr.. Robinson, OF New Or
leans, formerly Of Hampstead county,
Arkansaw.
What was the result fyour inyes-
tigation, SENATOR" asked the re-
porter.
WELL SATISFIED.
THE committee was well satisfied
with the work as it has progressed.
We concluded that the revetment and
hurdle systems are q success, and that
the ietties at the mouth Of the Mis-
sissippi are accomplishing all that is
claimed for them. We examined
river men wherever we could catch
them, and citizens at different points
where we stopped, and made thor
ouRh investigation Of all the improve
ments, including the important work
at Plum Bayou, in Mississippi county,
Ark. The hurdle and revetment
work is designed to protect the banks
Of the river, close up the islands and
deepen and strengthen the channel
| Of course levees are required at
points. These three systems act in
conjunction.
DESC RIPTI0N OF TIE WORK.
81 will give you an idea Of the bur
die work" said the Senator, taking q
cane and dotting an imaginary line Of
posts on the floor. First line Of
posts is driven into the bed Of the
river above the wesk point by a pile
driving machine; a second line is put
in behind the first. They set very
close together. The water strikes the
posts and the silt and sand is dropped
1t is astonishing to see what vast for
nations accumulate in a very shorl
time, and how solid and permanent
the hurdle becomes, forming an effsc.
tual barrier to the entertainments o.
the river.
The revetments are made Of willow
mats sunk 10 a slanting position anC
securely fastened down by stone
They are thus held in place, catch tb,
DRIFT and silt, and in a short TIM
form an effectual protection. TIL,
hurdle system is best in some places
and the revetment in others. Boil
are simple designs to aid nature il
improving the river by protecting tn,
banks, closing up the islands AM
deepening the channel lam not will
ling to state at what conclusions W
arrived in regard to the amount nee
essary 70 continue the work, but vii
, say this, that the committee will unan
imously report in favor Of separat
, bill for the Improvement Of the riyei
, The jetlies we're found in fine condi
ton. We went clear TO the mouth
and found nowhere less water than 2
feet and inches. / think their is o
! question about their success. Ii form
I a deposit at the mouth, but that
easily dredged cut. Ny opinion
that the Mississippi river commissio
will be Endorsed by our committe
Our report will be made at az early
day as possible after the assembling
/ Congress-
THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK.
d Senator Walker, in speaking Of Il
s political outlook, said; II believe III
}. chances Of the Democratic party
!, the coming campaign are excellen
v and that they will elect the ne,
d President. II is thought by son
!. that the recent vote 10 New York wi
g increase Mr.. Tilden's chances, but
d do not think so.
Il 81 believeyou arc Mcdonald ma
Is Senator
y ."Yes, Mr.. Mcdonald is my fayorit
It He is q plain. strong, vigorous ma
J. One OF the truest men that ever live
think his chances for the nominate,
are good. The result Of the race I,
Spsakership Of the House Of Repr
p sentatiyes is very uncertain. | THU
N It lies between Carlisle and Randal
2 bat both men have strong following
4 and il is impossible to predict ii
5 result with certainty. an for tar
ia reform, but doubt whether anythir
m substantial will be accomplished
IS the next session. With Arthur Pre-
n ident, and a Senate in which il is q
y and tuck between both parties,
= will be very difficult to do niue
r. | think both parties will be We
careful about what issues are brouQl
up Hu
. Last, but not least, Senatr
! Walker" asked the reporter, xvi
you be a candidate for re election
z the United States Senate?'
= The Senator thought for ltd
: while, md then said; II prefer not
!, say anything about that at present
i You will not say whether you wi
! or will not be a caHdidatel"
: No; | do not desire TO be int
viewed on that subject" So sayin
the interview terminated.
Eminent NJ. Louis PhysicIar
l. AnWg