Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-12-25
AN INTERVIEW.
Mayor Gregory Explains His Position on
the River Question.

Mayor Gregory Explains His Position on
the River Question.
A REooRD-UNIoN reporter met Mayor
Gregory last evening aud asked him con-
corning the particulars of the interview be-
tween himself and Major Heuer, the Gov
eminent engineer in charge of the present
examination of the Sacramento river.
The Mayors reply was substantially to
the effect that the object of Major Heuer's
visit was fully discussed, together with the
ACCESSIBILITY of the possible closing of the
Payne break on the Yolo side. 1t was
mutually concurred in by both gentlemen
tina. the work could be accomplished
at a greatly reduced cost to the
Government at low water stage than
at this particular time; also, that so far as
damage to the Yolo lands was concerned,
the stoppage of this particular break would
not accomplish much just now on account
of the overflow from other breaks higher
up the river. The question of its interfer-
ence with navigation could be demon
strated only after the proposed examination
is concluded.
The only protest made was by Mr.. Hum
bert, who was within hearing, and who
strenuously objected, in the name of the
State of California, to any official or citizen
Offering an opinion in suggestion to those
having the work in charge.
The Mayor said that Major Heuer and
himself shortly after withdrew and con-
suited fully as to the merits of the situation.
The result was that he received much in
formation from the engineer, and in re-
turn assured him that the United States Of
ficers having the work of examination of
the river in hand, would receive all posi-
bic cooperation by the citizens of Sacra-
mento, and, he believed, OF all others in in
terest.
The Mayor said that he strongly favors
immediate action by the various counties
interested, to at once present a strong petit
ton to Congress urging the appropriation
of at least 100000 for the purpose of
thoroughly and comprehensively treat
ing the river for the furtherance
of its navigability and restraint. He
said that Major Hewer had assured him
that when he came to make his report
to the Government he would recognize the
sentiment of this community regarding the
river, and would report to his superiors ex-
actly what it is. He deemed that due to
the people living along the river. who are
so intimately interested in the protection of
the river.
III response 10 pointed inquiry tue
Mayor said Mr. Humbert's interference in
the matter does not indicate that he ex-
presses the sentiment of the Board of In
quiry of which he is a member-neither
Mr.. Grunsky nor Mr.. Reed, who are of the
State Commission of Inquiry, having ad-
dressed the Mayor on the subject. On the
contrary, in response to inquiry made of
Mr.. Grunsky by the Mayor, the former
agreed that it would be announcement and
unadvisable to close the break at this time
In response to further inquiry Mayor
Gregory further said that he only cared for
the surprising interference of Mr.. Humbert
because it might lead to contention that
would be Of no value to the river or its Ill
innate improvement.
The Mayor said that he understood that
he himself had no right whatever to inter-
fere in the matter nor to proffer his advice;
he had been favored, however with the
privilege of conversing with the Govern
ment Engineers and be had endeavered in
such conversation to represent the best in
terests of Sacramento in the premises. He
was, moreover, pleased to say that the Gov
eminent Engineers had most courteously
listened to him and expressed satisfaction
in learning the opinions of the people.