The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-10-20
A TEMPORARY USE FOR GEORGIA's
CONVICTs.
suggestions For the Members of the
Georgia Legislature.

Leg
No one has suggested that Georgia's
300 convlcts could be wisely used In
draining the swamps and lowlands Of
Southern Georgia, and I venture to make
the suggestion.
Some years ago, while conversing with
the late Col Virgil Powers, the distln-
guished civil engineer, and for many years
superintendent of the Southwestern rail-
road, we discussed the prevalence, at that
time, of hemorrhagic fevers in Southwest
Georgia, and the fact that many of the
finest plantations and noblest homes in
that section were being abandoned to ne
gro tenants. He declared that the feVers
could be prevented, and the splendid farms
continue to be occupied by their intelli-
gent owners, If Georgia would drain the
swamps by opening the creeks and dig
ging lateral canals or bitches. Col. Pow
ers had surveyed Southern Georgia. and
said the plan was perfectly feasible, and
would make Southwestern Georgia the
most valuable and desirable section for
planting and residence In the entire coun-
try. He declared that under direction
Of competent engineers, the Georgia peni-
tertiary convicts could soon thoroughly
drain that rich section, and the expense
would soon be paid for by enhanced values
and increased taxes.
During the war between the states
Southwest Georgia was known as "The
Granary of the Confederacy," and fur.
nished the greater part of the corn and
meat to the confederate army.
Andersonville. in the heart of that sec
ton, was selected as the chief prison
point, because of its healthfulness and
its convenience to abundant supplies of
provisions and good water. The coun-
ties of Dolly, Macon, Sumter, Lee, Dough-
erty, Early Mitchell Baker and Others
contiguous, can supply Georgia with all
the corn, meat, oats, melons and fruit,
she needs. If the state will make them
healthy by adopting a wise system of
drainage carried out by her convicts
learn that Illinois drained her rich but
malarious southern section some wears
ago, making it habitable and heaIthfrl.
and running up farm values to 500 per
acre.
The valuable lives that would be saved
by this draining. the Iessening of suffering
from chills and hemorrhagic fevers. the
Increase of white population in the section
would amply pay Georgia, should her leg
islatOrs adopt this idea. One thousand
able bodied convicts would soon accom-
pish the desired object
Bibb county commissioners are now hav-
Ing canal dug through the swamps be-
low Macon, and are retaining thousands
Of acres of fertile lands, and making the
lower part of the Central City as healthful
and well drained as the beautiful hill por-
ton. Lateral bitches are connected with
the main canal, and some superb corn and
hay farms are being reclaimed. and qua
drupled in value and productiveness
What is being done by Bibb county with
forty convlcts in restoring her rich swami
lands, near the Ocmulgee river and To-
besofkee creek, can be more readily effect
ed by one thousand conviets in retaining
the lands along the Flint river, and Kin
chafoonee, Chickasawhatchie, Muckalee
and other creeks.
respectfully submit the above well
meant suggestions to the members of the
Georgia legislature for their thoughtful
consideration. Robert e. Park
Holton Stock Farm, Holton. Ga, Oct. 49,