The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-02-25

"We do not go too far when we assert
/ that if the hsrbor be restored, Vicks
burg is destined soon to be one Of the
most important ci les in the Southwest
and if this be neglected, there will be q
great retrogression aud loss, and little
chance Of progress.
I For these cogent reasons | appeal to
/ the judgment of Congress from tie
report Of the Mississippi River Commits
sion, and from the bill reported by the
Committee on Rivers and Harbors, in
| behalf of this important harbor. Shall
| il be preserved TO the commerce of the
country, or shall it be doomed, by mig
gardly parsimony, TO destruction?
! Mr.. King. Mr.. Chairman: In second
| ing the amendment of the gentleman
from Mississippi for tins appropriation,
| desire to say that ! believe if there Is
an amendment that could be made To
this measure which would have intrinsic
merit ii is the amendment offered by
the gentleman from Mississippi, and
now pending before this committee.
The hsrbor of Nieksburg is clear
and very distinct illustration of the
harbors on the Mississippi River. 1t
illustrates the fact that these hsrbors
can be destroyed by the current of that
stream. The Government has been for
ten or fifteen years past operating ex-
tensive works To maintain the hSrbor al
Nicksburg This bill has unfortunately
left that harbor out and made no pro
vision for it. Those works must suffer
and that haTbOr must suffer still further
from the neglect of Congress in making
an appropriation for II. The works have
already cost large sum of money. If
there is no provision now made for their
continuance and maintenance they must
IN large degree perish. 10 complete
them Will require comparatively a small
sum in addition to what has been al
ready expended, aud if they are orce
finished they viii be permanent in their
character. and require but little eXpen
diture in the way of repairs In future.
Mr.. Chairman, the city of Nicksburg
is not mere way-point on that great
river. 1t is the most important city
between New Orleans and Memphis. 1t
is a point at which several important
railroads converge. 1t is point where /
one of the most important lines across 1
the continent passeS the riyer-the I
Southern Pacific road, rs il used TO be 4
udLitu, now tue tC@SButE. shreveport ]
and Pacific Rairoad-one of the impor /
tant transcontinental lines. On the OPP /
posite side of the river there are very /
important works being prosecuted by 4
the Mississippi River Commission for
the Improvement of the river itself. /
only desire to add here, therefore. that
il it be possible for the Committee OF
Rivers and Harbors to reconsider their
action on this point l trust they will do
10, and allow the appropriation suggest.
ID by the gentleman from Mississippi,
or the purpose indicated by him, 10 go
nto the bill.
Mr.. Willis. | call for vote.
Mr.. Jeiiords. Mr.. Chairman
The Chairman. Debate has been ex-
on the pending amendm ent
Mr.. Willis. | appeal I the friends
# this bill to let us get along as fast. a.
We can. As business men appeal to
hem.
SIr. Jeffords addressed the committee.
lis remarks will appear hereafter.
Cries of Vote" Voter
The question was taken on the amend
nent offered by MIR. Barksdale, and it
vas rejected.