Evening star., 1897-04-05
FIGHTING THE FLOOD
Dwellers Along the Mississippi
Working on the Banks.
MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN TOILING
Appeal to the People by the Gov
ernor of Louisiana.
AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE

NEW ORLEANS La, April 5.-This weel,
tells the tale. Recognizing this fact. Gov
ernor Foster last night issued proclama-
ton to the people. He calls attention to
the fact that the levee system, although
not yet entirely perfected is the bulwark
OF the states salvation. Behind IL lies
one of the most fertile sections of America
Government and state aid has been ex-
tended. and the future depends upon the
people. Trusted leaders are in charge
of the work. and if the people help them
properly, despite the fact that the flood
apparently Is the greatest ever known all or
most of the levees can be held and the
future viii be bright because the system
will be strengthened and completed, and
the country will have confidence in Louis
lana, her enterprise and her opportunities
Working on the Levees
The sentiment expressed took root be-
fore 1t was uttered. for all along the Mis-
sissippi Valley road between this city and
Baton Rouge mass meetings We're held ard
volunteer forces organized to keep strict
watch on the banks and to labor day and
night to strengthen them, even where the
darSer is not apparent except in the rivers
steady climb TO the top of the protecting
earthworks.
The warning of the weather bureau to
abandon homes and seek safety in flight
has been disregarded. and instead men,
women and children, white and black, are
ping on dirt and building revetments,
seemingly fascinated with the struggle
against the attacking monster.
SO FAR, there is not a break in the entire
Louisiana ievee, not counting the tribu
tsry Bayou La Fourche. where the levees
We're known to be weak before the flood
came.
Lumber and sacks are being distributed
everywhere. even nails are shipped by the
car load and there will be no lack of new
work during the week TIE only question
Is about the new work holding. In this
the weather has been and Will continue
to be an important factor. 81 far the le-
wees have been drenehed and softened al
most daily. and hign winds have made the
blows of the stream more powerful. Yes
ter'iay general sunshine raised the hopes
and quickened the work of the army of
protection, and 9 few more days of fair
calm will see giant strides made in rails
ing the barriers against overflow.
Crisis Daily Repeated
The levee system has proven its value
during last weeks strain, but the test
will grow greater day by day. and each
days story will be the record of a crisis
met with patierce by vigilance, industry
ard heroism worthy of all praise.
Last night by curious coincidence Gen
eral Manager Thorne Of the Texas and
Paclilc. and General Agent Spelman of the
Illinois Central who is also president of
the Pontchartrain levee board spent the
eight almost opposite each other, one at
Luther. the other in St. James distributing
T-aterial TO the planters, VINO say that if
they are given supplies they will furnish
the labor
From this time IN the leaders in the
various works will see little of New Or
leans. giving every moment, night and lay
10 the supervision of the efforts in which
all are so vitality interested.