The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-06-03
HOUSTON, SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 1soo.
TEN PAGES TODAY.
THE BAYOU IMPROVEMENT MATTER

The tangle into which clerical incompe-
tency in congress has gotten the appro-
priations for the improvement of Buffalo |
bayou may have the effect of delaying The |
commencement of the work under plan
for twenty-five foot channel. but it IS
likely to prove fortunate thing for us
upon the whole.
It has not only called attention TO the
matter in a marked manner, but it has
placed a 600 appropriation under a
continuing contract plan on the statute
book, which will likely remain there. not
withstanding It got there by mistake. The
attorney general of the United States says
this item is law as it appears in the last
rivers and harbors bill, although he sug
gests that in view OF the circumstances
under which it was left in the bill work
should be delayed until congress intention
In the premises can be ascertained by an
other bill or resolution.
1t IS easier to get this item, clerical err
TOR though 1t be- indorsed by the next
congress than it would be to begin anew
and secure an original appropriation of
the same kind The difficulty in obtain
ing large appropriations for new work Is
not so much on account of the size of the
sums sought as in getting the committees
to act at all. The trouble in enlsting SUI
feient interest among members from other
sections to secure affirmative action of any
kind is the chief obstacle in all cases OF
this description. One congress having act
ed however. It Is not such serious mat
ter 10 induce succeeding congress- OF
the same political complexion, to indors
the former legislation. The Fifty-siXth
congress, therefore. Is far more likely L
sustain the last senate's amendment 10
the rivers and harbors BILL and which go
into the bill as finally passed. although I
had been rejected by the conference com
mittee. than it would be to take orlgina
action in the premises.
Congressman Ball fully appreciates thi
fact He sees that the larger approprin
zion and the continuing contract clause car
be made fixed and effective at the mex
.ession of congress. and ho therefore pre-
fers that no work be commenced under tn
smaller appropriation, unless IT. be In fur
herancc of the plan for the deep channe
desired. lie does not want 10 see any par
of the sSoo,0o0 APPROPRIATION wasted on
Nwelve-foot channel scheme. With thu
moro ambitious project formally indorso
~ congress and 100000 available al
ready, onother 100000 could be easily sc
cured affording ample means for prosecut
ing the work rapidly and continuously
1t was a great achievement 20 get mat
tiers relating to the bayou improvement
as far advanced as they are now, and "
can we'll afford to wait until next sesslC
for more definite determination of u
intention of congress, No similar probe
OF like magnitude and Importance has ev'
made its way faster before congress or
the general publies approval,
In the meantime tho citizens of Houst
must remain wide-awake, put up III
means required to keep the matter hofo
congress and the country and bring eve
legitimate influence to bear TO impre'
upon our National lawmakers and the go
eminent officials the surprising impo
lance, 10 the entire West, of this propos
Improvement Our success will be in pr
norton TO our own efforts.