The state republican. (Jefferson City, Mo.) 1871-1896, 1896-01-23
RIVER IMPROVEMENT.

duced bill into the house Of repre-
sentstives Of great Importance to
IL provides for the ex-
penditure Of 100000 a year for
four years, to continue the improve
ment Of tho Missouri river from its
mouth to Sioux City, Iowa.
The bill was prepared under the
OF the entire Missouri
delegation, and Congressman Hub
bard was chosen to become It's par
ticuIsr sponsor because Of the study
he has made OF the work which has
been done on the Missouri river up
to date, and his fitness on that sc-
count to argue the necessity and
advantage Of the continuance Of the
work.
After bis election to congress, DIR.
hubbard tfavsisds the entire length
OF the Missouri and Usage rivers
within the borders Of Missouri, and
fully informed himself Of what had
been accomplished through appro-
priations heretofore made and the
needs for the future.
The appropriations made by pre-
vious congresses for the Missouri
river have been devoted to that
stretch OF the river between Jeffer-
son City and the mouth Of the Cas-
coma de. This particular stretch was
selet ted because It was the worst on
the river, and II it was found that
Improvement could be made between
those points which would be per-
manent in its character and benefits
the feasibility of reopening the en-
tire length of the river In Missouri
to navigation would be conclusively
shown.
The work done between Jefferson
City and the Gasconade has been
most successful. Opposite the mouth
Of the Usage, which was the worst
poinr Of the stretch improved, there
was formerly a depth OF but Q feet In
low water. Now there is 25 feet In
low water. This proves that there
is no difficulty in holding the Mis-
eouri's current with the proper
kinds of dikes and breakwaters.
Tr. Hubbard, when the bill comes
up for consideration in the house, is
prepared to show by indisputable
facts that the actual and immediate
benefits accruing to Missouri will be
many times greater than the amount
necessary to confine the stream and
render it navigable. It has been shown
by the work already done that 32O
acres to the mile Of Missouri bottom
lands can be reclaimed, and thif
land can be sold at 500 an acre
This is not q supposititious value.
DR.. Hub ard cites particular case
near Cbamois, in his district whore q
farmer tried to sell his bottom lands
for $50 an acre because they were
subject to foods, and could not gel
1t, but after the work done by the
river com mission had afforded ade.
guate protection to this land thu
owner sold 1t for 800 an acre. DR.
Hubbard also has statements from
the officials of the counties border.
} ing on the Missouri giving estimates
Of the increased valuations which
would be brought about by . con
tinuance OF tho river Improvement
The county clerk OF Warren count,
states that Warren county alon'
would have $1,000, 900 added to it
taxable wealth.
, Lr. Hubbard, from the facts In hi
possession, estimates that the amour
necessary to reopen the Missouri +
perfectly safe navigation will b
!, $50, 900 q mile. He says that as 500
as this is done line OF steamers wi
to put on. They would be Of gres
benefit to the state in handling tn
heavy cargoes, and also in keepin
down railroad rates.
The steamer Benton, which san
at Arrow Rock in consequence q
. the distractions In the channel, ha
been having more freight tendere
: =. an she could carry.
d There is much indignation anon
9 Missourisns having interests alon
n the banks of the Missouri over th
: transfer OF Col. Suter, who has hs
] charge Of the work thus far dom
What he has accomplished has prov
: On 30 satisfactory that the intrustin
!. Of the continuance OF the work to
new man, unscquainted with I'll
!. character Of the Missouri, is consit
: cred to be . grave mistake.
= PAPER AND PAPER MAKING.
Compiled for the Globe Democrat.
S-sc. H.. sou~ - 49, -. an.