Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-02-11
IN BEHAnF OF THE ALTANAHA.
a Petition to Congress Asking for the
Improvement of that Great River. I |

A Petition to Congress Asking for the
Improvement of that Great River.
The undersigned, a memorial commit
tee appointed by convention assembled
at Darlen, Ca, on Nov. 4, 1885, for and in
behalf Of the citizens OF twenty-one coun-
ties in the State OF Georgia, bordering on
the Altamaha river and its continents
and tributaries, and the port Of Darien,
respectfully represent:
rs That the people in the counties Of Ap-
ping, Baldwin, Bibb, Coffee, Dodge,
Emanuel. Glynn, Houston, Irwin, Jonn-
son, Laurens, Liberty, Mcintosh (inclu-
ding the city OF Darien), Montgomery,
Pulaski, Tattnal, Telfair, Twiggs.
WAYNE. Wilcox and wilkinson, are
greatly interested in the improve ment OF
che Aitamaha and its tributaries, ana
anxiously look 10 the general govern
ment for just and equitable appropria-
lions FORTS speedy accomplishment.
The GREAT Altamaha, with It's conlu-
ents, me OcmulRee and the Oconee, and
its tributary, the OhoOpee, is the largest
and most important water highway in the
State OF Georgia. The Ocmulgee and the
4cOnee. rising at the foot OF the Blue
Rldpe mountains. flow for several hum
fired miles through the heart OF the state,
and by their confluence form the Alta
maha. which, enforced by its tributary,
the OhOopee, continues its course for 200
miles until it debouches into the Atlantic
u miles below the city Of Da-
Tien. At good stage of water
the Ocmulgee is naVigable for
$50 miles, from the junction TO the city
of Macon; the Oc0nee for 225 miles, from
The same point to the city Of Milledge-
vile, and the Altamaha for 200 miles,
from the junction to the Ocean-making
altogether 675 miles OF waterway through
the great cotton, timber and rice belt OF
the State. The Altamaha, at a good stage
OF water, averages 800 feet in width, with
mean depth of feet. This average is
reduced at a low stage of water TO 800
feet in width and feet in depth.
Your memorialists would further state
that the commerce of Darien is OF such
magnitude as TO make it port OF national
importance. The quantity of lumber
shipped TO various ports in Europe, south
America, and the West Indies, as well as
our own ports will not fall short Of l00,-
000. 600 feet annually. OF rice, 100000
bushels are annually shipped, besides
considerable quantities OF wool, naval
stores, cotton, and other farm products.
The tonnage, foreign and domestic, en-
ployed in this carrying trade will average
annually 100000 tons.
Lumber City, where the East Tennessee,
Virginia and Georgia railroad crosses the
latter river, the shipment of cotton, naval
stores and wool amounted last year to
10000 tons, besides large amounts shipped
from Hawkinsville, on the Ocmulgee and
Dublin on the Oconee. AT DOctOrtOwn,
also, where the Savannah, Florida and
Western railroad crosses the Atlamaha,
heavy shipments of naval stores, cotton
n X
brought down the river by steam boats.
For this carrying trade nine river steam-
boats are employed.
The manufacture of naval stores from
the smaller timber is an important bust
ness. which IS fast growing TO immense
proportions. At the beginning OF the year
b6turpentine distillerles were located upon
the Altamaha and its tributaries. All the
productions OF these distilleries, as well
rs the supplies required IN return, must
be shipped BY the river.
The climate of the valley Of the Alta
maha Is salubrious, the soil fertile, and
She farm products are varied and abund-
ant. Cotton, corn, rice, root crops, small
grain and orchard fruits grow here in per-
lection. The great want is better trans
portation.
Carefully prepared estimates show that
on the Altamaha SIS, 100000 worth OF ma
Valstores aud timber are in easy reach Of
the river. To this may be added $50. 100000
Tor the 0cmulgee, and 5O,OO0,0 600 for the
OcOnee, besides a large amount for the
Oh0Opee. On this latter stream one OF
the finest water powers in the country is
located.
Without the aid of the General Govern
ment in removing these distractions and
otherwise improving this water way. these
great resources cannot be developed.
Wherefore, your memOrialists pray that
surveys of the Altamaha and its tribu-
faries, the Ocmulgee, the OcOnee and the
OhoOpee, and the outlet to the sea, may be
ordered; and such appropriations granted
as will, when i1diciously expended, rem
der this great water way nayigable at all
seasons Of the year.
Your memoriaiists ask this In behalf of
a territory comprising IL. 900 square miles,
occupied by 100000 people who are, in
great measure, dependent for transpOrta-
lion upon the great Altamaha.
They ask it in behalf OF q great natural
highway and an important seaport which
have hitherto received but little aid from
the general government.
And your memOrialists will ever pray,
etc. s. d. BRADwELL,
Of Liberty county, and others.
nVuWrTra rva-r~rNrurrn rar9u wrrw r-,e.