The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-04-04
NEAR THE GULF.
Situation At, Above and Below New
Observation-Disclosures LeVees.

NEW ORLEANS, April 3.-The river has
been stationary for two days, and while oc-
casional winds and rains have created un-
easiness, this section is in full enjoyment of
the breathing spell promised by the engi-
neers. The time is being put to good use.
Boatloads and trainloads of sacks and lum-
ber are being sent out in every direction,
boats and depots of supplies being
placed at regular intervals, and even spots
not exactly dangerous are being treated
with the engineers prescription of more
dirt. The railroads, concerned for crevasses
which would mean damage to tracks and
roadbeds and interrupted traffic, are keep
ing engines and trains ready for emer-
gencies, apd are running patrol trains all
the time, increasing facilities for early dis
covery and prompt repair of the breaks.
Last night ten-foot hole was found in
levee near the Union plantation, above the
city, and was promptly stopped. This is
the only accident so far between New Or
leans 'and Baton Rouge. On the opposite
side of the river the banks are being held
with equal success proving the wisdom of
the system of district levee boards operat-
ing with state and government officials.
The engineers still consider the Tensas
care, and this very fact Is working good
for great quantities of material and armies
of men are being USED thele, so tnat tney
will be better prepared to meet the greater
strain which Is bound to come. With the
river rising above, with the st Francis ana
other rivers soon to pour volumes into the
Mississippi and with the crevasses ex-
hausting their relief effect, besides return
ing most of the water TO the attacking
stream, it can be seen at a glance what a
week is before the levee system. The break
at Lee Blanc. on Bayou Lafourche, was con-
siderable of a surprise. The leVees on
neither side of the stream are especially
bl.f on
occurred was believed to be much the
strongest The banks on the Atchafalaya
side are a foot and more below those on the
other side, and breaks there were consid-
cred q certainty. 1t was the unexpected
that happened. but if the crevasse had been
better location, for. while 1t will seriously
damage several plantations It has an area
of marsh and lakes below, and will do much
less hurt than If it happened above.
At midnight the gauge at the head of
Canal street in this city read 1s.6, indi-
eating little If any change from previous
readings to-day. New Orleans participated
i'm the heavy rain and thunderstorm that
prevailed pretty generally from Helena,
Ark, 10 the gulf early this morning and
of the residents behind the right bank of
the river was no doubt brought about by
the storm conditions. Tonight the weather
has cleared up somewhat, and the prospects
are that spell of tine weather Is ahead.
The lie Blanc crevasse on Bayou La
Fourche that occurred Friday, while it will
found to be a regular blessing 10 an i'm
mense number of interests that we're serf-
ousiy threatened. The bulk of this over-
flow water will find its way INTO swamps
and other comparatively valueless lands.
Greenville is reported entirely cut off from
overland communication. The town. With
its 10000 people. sits quietly upon rs little
| island hedged about by vast sea Of water,
| dependent absolutely upon its own re
| sources for business and pleasure. From
| Creenville down TO Vicksburg, n distance
| OF l2s miles. there is only one crevasse, and
! on the Louisiana side of the river leyees
| seem TO be in splendid shape. TN the Mis-
| sissippi side, unfortunately, nearly all the
/ plantations south of Greenyille are flooded
/ Reports from the Red and Ouachita riye ers
show no change during the last 1wanty-four
hours AT Natchez the water is three feet
above danger mark Considerable cayins
has occurred in the main, and first protec-
| ton Surget-Ashley leyee. ard every effort
| Is being made to complete the new leyee
1 The work has advanced in a satisfactory
| manner but not moment too soon. as the
| water is now up against the base. Back
: water is threatening the lower portion oI