The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-12-16
The Time for Action.

| IL Is admitted, OF course, that Savannah
Intends to continue her efforls to secure
deeper water in her harbor, but is it her
purpose to insist upon the 2S-foot improve
ment, or to accept the 26-foot improvement
suggested by the chief of engneersl This
question ought to be decided at once. If
there is no probability of getting an appro-
priation for the 2S-foot Improvement from
this Congress, or the next, would it not be
advisable to have it understood without
| delay that 26-foot channel to the sea will
be acceptable, So that our senators and rep
resentatives in Congress can take the neces-
sary steps Immediately to secure an appro-
| priation in the pending river aud barber
bill for % foot Improvement
Our friends in congress can do nothing
until they understand what will be accepta-
bic to us. Would it not be the proper
course to consult with them as to the advisa-
bility of insisting upon an appropriation
for the 2S-foot Improvement They are in
q position to know what is best to be done,
and if they advise the abandonment of the
2S-foot Improvement in favor of 26-foot
one, it would, doubtless, be wise to follow
their advice a 26-foot channel would not
give us the depth of water we want
in our harbor, but perhaps, when that
depth is obtained, congress will be willing to
authorize the 2S-foot improvement, if it be
shown that the commerce of the port abso-
lutely demands it.
The thing to be done now is to decide
| whether 26-foot Improvement will be nc
| ceptable, and no time should DO lost in
| doing 50. The river and harbor bill will
soon be reported to the House. If nothing
can be done for Savannah harbor in the
House strong effort in its behalf will have
to be made III the Senate. Savannah harbor
has always been well treated in the Senate,
| owing chiefly TO the efforts Of that indefati-
gable worker, Senator Brown, and no doubt
he will do all that can be done for it in the
present instance.
But who is to take the necessary steps to
find out whether or not the 26-foot sugges-
ton of the chief of engineers shall be &C
cepted. There ought to be among our citi-
zens some who have a sufficient amount of
public spirit to dc so. 1t would not be diff
cult to get the necessary expression of pub
lie sentiment. One energetic man conld
accomplish that very quickly. Action by
the trades bodies and the city council is all
chat is necessary.
OF course Savannah will not be content
with the present 22-foot channel He.
commerce IS now greatly INSTRUCTED for
want of deeper water Whether the 2S-
foot improvement Is insisted upon, or it is
decided to accept 26-foot one, every in
fluence that can be obtained
should be brought to bear upon
congress to secure an appropriation for it.
The whole of this state and Florida, Middle
and Northern Alabama, Birming-
ham, Memphis and Kansas City are
interested in having deeper water In Savan-
nah harbor because freig ITS from all the ter
ritory named are seeking an outlet at this
port, and deeper water would insure cheaper
freight rates. All the towns, therefore, in
the territory interested should, through
public meetings, or their trade and munich
pal organizations, urge their representa-
tiveS in congress to assist in securing fair
treatment for Savannah HARD II III the river
and harbor bill. The Georgia legisl iture
should pass resolution instructing the
congressional delegation from this state to
give special attention to Savannah harbor.
Unless those interested in this harbor look
after its interests, it will BE- neglected, and
The money it should have will be given to
less important harbors.