The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1896-12-05

result had been that a. fast as they Sc.
cured the desired depth in one place nn-
other filled up. and most OF the money
had been spent without achieving satisfac-
tory results. He had been Informed by
citizens here that the chief engineer, Major
Miller, had given an unofficial estimate
that twenty feet OF water from the mouth
OF the ,ctties to Harrisburg could be secured
for 100000; that improved methods o.
dredging would make the work much
quicker and less expensive. The sum men
toned was Insignificant In comparison with
the benefits to the entire State TO be de-
rived therefrom. Last year Houston ship.
ped nearly 100000 bales OF cotton. Inc
IRE ght on his cotton alone at saving OF
~ cents q bale by reason OF the competi-
ton OF Buffalo bayou with the railroads,
| was sufficient TO pay the entire cost OF the
appropriation to the citizens of Texas Mr.
| Ball stated taat he had no definite plan TO
propose. but would throw out few sug-
| restions for confederation. First OF all. 1t
WAS highly i'm, ortant that the citizens of
| Houston and Harris county should be
aroused TO the Importance OF proper action.
| Their representative in congress could do
! nothing unless backed by the earnest. in
| tell sen, intereet and action OF the people
at home. who were vitality Interested He
felt sure that this interest and backing had
not been given their representatives in the
past. 4 ",w years ago the people OF CAL
weston had been inert and rested upon their
sc-calcd natural advantages. Aroused at
last to the necessity Of doing something for
themselves, concerted action had resulted
In IN appropriation of more than Sc 600 600
from Tie cove rnment and deep water a cross
her bar Right here, said he. permit me to
suggest that the plan pursued by Galveston
would not be feasible in this project. He
d'd rot believe 1t icSlble 10 enlist the same
nciiVe support frcm the great Northwest
that had so aided Galveston. It was no de.
n hnlf ltal oct, - IL
tescst shown by other States. but simply
a move by them In their own interest TO
secure near by outlet to the ocean and a
competition with the East for their
fIeights. That object has been secured.
and whatever Appropriation was secured TO-.
TIE bayou must be had upon the merits Of
the project To SECURE this your represent
alive should have carefully prep rel ST.
ust cs. showing the commerce importance
and magnitude Of Houston and the benefits
10 accrue TO the city. county and state by
the development Of this inland stream.
In regard 10 the literature to be gotten
out. MIR. l'nll suggested that the advantages
Of ecercning Buffalo bayou be set forth
n'7irlY rnd that these alvantnges hn stated
without ante Couiairg any other rival po;nt
We expect assistance from evcrv Influence
In CONGRESS end it will accomplish nothing
TO he'iitle the work they have already done
in the Interest OF Texas hsrhors.
Your representative wiz be- expected By
the committees in congress who pass On
these matters to be able TO give any and
nil information in regard thereto. and he
expects your hearty cooperation in order
to do so.
BY all means tho dribhlet systeil should
u" abandoned aud su'ncloat apDropri,-
tion madc in bulk to do the work under |
contract system as eXpedtiously as pos
sihe
Personally. Mr. Rail pledged himself rs