Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-05-19
RIVER IMPROVEMENT WORK /
VIII Progress Right Along, Says Col.
John l. Vance,
VINO Has just Returned From a
three Weeks Visit to Washing
ton City An Interesting and Val
uapie Exposition Of the Situation
and Outlook as Regards Locks
aid Dams on the Ohio.

Col. John L. Vance has just returned to
Gallipolis from three weeks visit to
washington City, on business Connected
with the Improvement of the Ohio river,
and a representative of the Gallipolis
journal reports the following interesting
interview with him:
work is progressing under the provis-
ions of the act of the last Congress, pro-
viding for continuous appropriations as
set forth until the work provided for be
completed. The action of the last Con-
gress was great step, having for it's OBJ
ject the Improvement of the entire OHIO
river, and the freeing of the Monongahela
river, relieving commerce from the oner-
Gus burdens of toll. was something that
drew forth from all the people of the
great valley words of commentator and
praise. The great coal iron, and in fact
all manufacturing and commercial inter-
ests rejoiced when the important improve
ment was accomplished. Too much praise
cannot be given to the members of the
Rivers and Harbors Committee for their
wise and judic,ous decision regarding the
question of the improvement of internal
water ways and particularly the liberal
appropriation for the Ohio and its tribu
taries."
What is the prospect for future ap-
prooriations?" was asked the Colonel.
The outlook is very favorable. No
general appropriation bill will be reported
at this session of Congress, owing to the
complications brought about by the pend
ing war between our country and Spain.
1t is but natural that all the resources
and energies of the country should be
devoted to the prosecution of the war.
l am assured, however, that a general
bill will be presented at the short ses-
sion of Congress, beginning next Decem-
Der, and that it will receive favorable
consideration.
Is the Committee on Rivers and Har-
bors in the present Congress favorable to
the continuation of the improvement of
the water ways of the country"
"Unquestionably so. Some time ago
made an argument before the c--zs1.Stttee
in regard to completing the survey of the
Ohio to It's mouth, and was greatly graft
fed at the attention and expressions Of
approval made by various members of
the committee. Without reflection on any
member of the committee because they
are all friends of the Improvement of the
internal waterways, l desire to say that
have received from Hon B. B. Dovener
of the First district Of West Virginia, the
most valuable counsel and aid. Repre-
senting, as he does, a district with a large
river front and interested to the greatest
degree in the betterment of the rivers he
has been interchangeable in advancing legis-
lation having for it's purpose the perma-
nent improvement of the Ohio and its
tributaries. His services upon the Rivers
and Harbors Committee of the last Con-
gress and the present one, have been of
such a character as to merit the Warmest
approval and demand the gratitude of
the people of his own district and the
entire Ohio Valley. He has reached that
point in his legislative experience when
his services are of more value than ever
before and the people of his district
would be wise to return him to Congress-
While Capt Dovener and myself do not
agree in politics. yet it is but fair to say
that there are times when politics should
cut no figure in the selection of public
servant and my acquaintance with Capt
Dovener's inestimable service in behalf of
the great river interests is such that
have no hesitancy in saying that grave
mistake would be made should he not be
returned to the 56th Congress"
Have you any particular knowledge of
the location of the locks and dams that
will be built in this section?"
II have no definite knowledge There
is no doubt, however that at least two
locks and dams, very probably three, will
be located and constructed in front of
Gallia county. 7 make this statement af-
ter consultation with engineers of the T.
S. Army who are familiar with and have
performed work on the Ohio. The day Is
not far distant when our county will be
flooded with workmen upon the system OF
improvements that will make the Ohio
navigable at all seasons of the year
from its source to it's mouth