The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-18
GEN. ATKINS GOOD IDEA.
HOW AND WHY HE WOULD HAVE
THE CUMBERLAND IMPROVED.
Urging the Importance of Bettering Its
Navigation-He Wants Bigger APP
preparations and Suggests q Conven-
ton OF Counties.
Interview in the Nashville American.


recent sickness, leaves this afternoon for
Tullahoma, where he will spend Tuesday,
proceeding to McMinnville Wednesday
morning to meet friends in attendance up
ON the Congressional convention.
He will not actively reopen his senatorial
canvass for some weeks, owing to the
weather.
An american reporter yesterday had a
conversation with Gen. Atkins, in which
he eyinced such an interest in the inn
provement Of navigation along the Cum.
berland that his views are given at length
and his suggestions for relief emphasized:
During my congressional career" said
the general, 81 always voted for the
river and harbor bills IN order that our
streams might be improved, for they af-
ford the cheapest transportation for the
products OF u country, and entering into
competition with the railroads have the
effect of materially lowering railroad
freight rates. II no other object than this
was accomplished, / have always consid-
cred money expended in this manner
wisely used.
As far as the Cumberland river is con-
| cerned, IL is very fine stream and navi-
gable great distance. The money that
has been appropriated TO its improvement
has not by any means been thrown away,
and | believe that other and better inn
provcmcnts ought TO be made upon IL.
Many other rivers less worthy than this
have been supplied with locks and dams
This river traverscs very rich section Of
country, containing fertile agricultural
lands, Astounding in fine timber suitable
for all kinds Of building material, as well
rs great mineral fields. The products OF
this region are extremely valuable, and in
great many cases find market only
through the Cumberland. The river
banks are OF such firm and solid nature
that | think it entirely feasible, without
cxtraagant cost, 10 10 improve the
stream by means OF locks and
dams, as TO afford easy navigation
or moderate sized vessels all the year
round. Even il S3,0O0,000 or $4,000, 900
should be required, what is that
sum TO the vast benefits that would as
n consequence bc derived by not only the
counties along the line but by the State?
"Bclow Point Burnside we would have a
nayigable stream over 500 miles long run
ming across the State and interesting
various railroad lines. Ii would be equal
20
A GREAT DOUBLE TRACK
railroad Of that length. There is not one
railroad touching the Cumberland between
Nashville and Point Burnside, rendering
this rich country entirely dependent upon
the river. In this respect tho question is
vastly important 20 the people.
THE appropriation OF $4,000 a year
being made by Congress for this river will
not render IL navigable. This amount has
only been sufficient 10 clear out bars and
deepen the channel, but this cannot make
Il thoroughly 'navigable stream during
the summer"
-" hat plan do you think IL would be
best 10 pursue 10 get the desired appropria-
ton from Congrcss2"
81 think that the counties lying con-
tiguous to the river should hold a conven-
ton and memorabilia Congress for the
amount needed.
"Oi course, Nashville has n deep stake
in II, for with good navigation she would
command the great bulk of the river
trade. A portion OF the produce might go
10y rail TO Cincinnati, but Nashville would
have infinitely the advantage, because OF
the greater cheapncss Of transportation 90
this place. think that IL convention
composed OF the representatives from
every county in the State bordering ON the
river, were held 10 consider this question
and present To Congress n memorial show
ing that this river IL the only, or n vital,
means Of communication with the mar.
kets possessed by the people along its
course, and setting forth the vast amount
Of wealth agricultural, mineral and for
est awaiting only good commercial COM
munication 10 he developed, this would
probably be the most striking and effect
i've mode Of arrcsting the attention OF
Congress"
81 think, moreover" no continued,
that the delegations from Tennessee and
Kentucky would. n a rule, lend their
support To such movement. Mr.. Nc
Millin has been an active and efficient
supporter Of river and harbor bills, aud 30
has Mr.. Washington, 10 the best Of my
knowledge. Gen. Dibrcll Is entitled, /
suppose, more than any other ono man, 10
the opening Of the Muscle shoals In the
Tennessee. think that II
MKNoRALizED ny suCn CONVENTION.
Congress would ac, i,yonbly at its next
support such a petition. ] supported the
appropriation bills because | thought Il
was my duty 10 DO 10. II | were in Con.
grcS should deem Il my duty 10 do
everything | could a. open up the river.
Neither should stand upon lis costing
some money 10 DO II.
This improvement, rs I have said,
would add great wealth 10 the State and
/ Etu lee IA
''Ono of the greatest advantages which
would accrue 30 Nashville from good
navigation would be the certainty of get.
ting cheap coal much cheaper than by
rail- aud cheap coal IL tho foundation OF
manufacturing. Nashville Is making
some strides in this direction, and il at.
tracing the attention Of northern capital.
With an unlimited supply Of cheap coal,
such as would appear with the opening
Of the vasl fields along the Cumberland, a
long step would be presented 10 capital.
lists IN favor OF Nashville ne q manuiarlur.
ing point. To secure successful manu-.
tactupr raw material must be cheap.
You hayc the cotton, the timber, the ore, and
you want good navigation ON the Cumbcr-
land 10 get the cheap coal. The improve
mcnt OF tho Cumberland Is vital, A very
important question 90 Tennessee, aud dc.
mands prompt attention. Congress should
by all means bc induced 10 increase the
present appropriation aud put the lock
aud dam system on basis whore II can DO
pushed 10 Ne early completion as possible.
Tie present rate ~ too small under its
expenditure the work would require too
much iimc. Prompt action Is needed"
Tho Cumberland River.
Nashville American Editorial
Tho interview with Con Atkins On