The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-03-04
ON THE LoweR R MISSISSIPPI.
Grent Apprehension for the Safety OF Peo-
pie and Property.

Grent Apprehension for the Safety OF Peo-
pie and Property.
NEW ORLEANS. March 1.-Concerning
the condition of the levees and the uneasy
feeling produced along the lower Missis-
sippi by the continued rising of the water,
the following information has been re-
ceived: Col. c. E. Wright, editor of the
Vicksburg Commercial, says: ''The high
stage OF water from Cairo to the Gulf Gre
ates uneasiness throughout this section.
Another rise in the Ohio accompanied
with one from the Arkansas would put the
levees TO a severe strain, especially the
new work just completed or in process of
completion. The local levee boards ex-
pended last spring large sums of money
TO protect the levees and last fall in repair
ing breaks in them caused by the overflow
of last year. The people in this section
earnestly hope that tie $l,000,O0O emer-
gency bill passed bv the house and now
pending in tie senate will be passed be-
fore congress adjOurns so as to make this
sum available in case OF need as the local
levee boards are not as strong financially
as they were last spring"
A telegram from Cant. Lambert, for
many years editor of the Natchez Democrat,
says: The situation OF river matters
along the lower Mississippi just now is
quite critical. While the water in sight
does no: appear to be sufficient TO cause a
food Of the height attained last year, vet
the indications now are for rains through
a considerable portion OF the valley, and
II they should occur it is probable that the
floods of last year will be equal ed the
present season. Many OF ths tributaries
ofthe lower river are now bank full and
even ordinary rains affect them. All the
water that they pour into the river
increases the danger to that extent and
there Is no telling what the final results
will be. The levees are not really in so
good condition "a thev were at this time
last year and there is a constant fear Of
them giving way under the pressure at
many points along the line. There is
every reason now why congress should
come 10 the relief of the peop OF the
Mississippi va ley and make prompt and
liberal appropriations for the levees. Not
only the property of the people but their
lives as well are dependent upon main
tanning the leyees and this can only be
done by the national government coming
20 their assistance"
The Louisville, New Orleans & Texas
railroad having suffered great damage by
the Overf1ows last season. Mr. r +.
Reynolds, commercial agent of the COM
pany, was today interviewed concerning
the out ook. He said: "I have been in
communication today by wire with all
points between this CITY and Memphis,
and the conclusion arrived at is that the
present condition of the Mississippi river
and tributaries threatens a disastrous
overflow from Memphis 10 New Or
leans The main river, as well as
the tributaries, is higher than at
this date last year. The greatest
apprehension is felt by all living in the
Mississippi valley, and if immediate help
was given by congress many millions OF
dollars worth of property could be saved
The planters and people have not been
idle, but, seeing the great danger that
threatens their lands and homes, have
done and are doing all their means. linn
tied BY their last years misfortune, will
admit. The hard hight of leo now be-
ing repeated with the rivers higher than
last year and still rising at an alarming
rate. A repetition OF the devastation and