The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1896-12-04


Houston Is moving actively in behalf OF
proposed constitutional amendment which
would permit the resumption OF public
improvement and progress in Texas cities.
he main purpose of the enlerprsng
community at the head of navigation on
Buffalo bayou is to so improve its water
way TO the gulf as to enable Houston 10
compete fer the vast export and, import
trade, which must inevitably result from
the accomplishment of deep water on the
coast.
The bayou. which is Houston's arm OF
the sea, is narrow and crooked, and needs
10 he strengthened and deepcned In order
TO make it available for water craft of any
magnitude. The work necessary to be
done to convert the bayou into veritable
channel OF commerce would be expensive,
q course. but the expense would be a mere
bagatele in comparison with the benefits
to result. With tho improved modern an
pnances such work as would be required
10 be done in strengthening, widening and
deepening Buffalo bayou could be done ex-
leditiousiy and at much less cost than
the construction of canals, and the cost of
maintenance would probably be much less.
In fact, ii has been estimated by competent
engineers that for an expenditure of some
Nhat more than half million dollars
houston might have 1G-foot channel from
her wharves to the gulf. The government
mas never been extremely liberal with Buff
iaio bayou appropriations This may have
tcen becauGe the proper pressure was not
prouGht to bear in congress in the matter
OF advantages and promises of traffic de-
NcIopmcnt, but 1t is said the Lord helps
'hosc VINO help Themselves. aud the govern
ment may reasonably be depended upon to
some extent. at least, to follow the exam
pie OF the Lord in this respect.
as matters now stand Houston can do
nothing more than fold her hands and
wait, except in the way of aritation for
cDenre IN the organic law which ties her
hands and prevents her from making such
otorts in her own behalf ps she Nigh, he
inclined To essay. Commenting on the mat
ter, The Houston Post saws. at is \ oues
ion now whether our railways will 20 to
deer water, and Houston become a way.
station or whether we shall bring the
doop water to our wharvcs and mike Of the
city great port" This is matter
which mainly affects Houston, though all
i'eSas must share in the prosperity of any
Tart Of the State
But saws The Post. referring to The
raVins problem, there must he an at
tractlye city here at the same time People
cnn ma so many progressive towns in
when TO locate these DAYS that there mus,
be hid for population by supplying those
comforts and conveniences Of civ life
without which now the more desirable
kinds and accessions of population can not
ne secured. The city must not only pre-
sent advantages. but comforts. modern i'm
rrovemeni OF every description Indicating
care for health and easy transaction Of
business aud betraying broad public
spirit"
There'n is all the law and the profits.
The remarks IN Galveston and other cities
ns wc'' Fs the" do Houston The home
stead decision knocked ont improvements
lhat were In PROGRESS, and put an end,
temporarily. ~ least. TO street having
fH state forbi's the municipalities tn 20
hevond . certain limit in the matter Of
taNirg thcmTelves for their own needs. We
nre eSnecied % do grea. deal more for
1csieri'v than pos;eritv has cver conc for
rs rrd We 10 ho careful that posferity
Fho"l1 not he =. ca with any nf tho cost
hot's what r. T9Hnt b. tire n-aporal
constitutional ..erSment ~ rcrmt tho
'eSnm"''c' re ruh'c Improvement and
progress II fexas cities.