The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-12-30

is a bright prospect for the passage
of this or some similar measure of
relief; provided we pave the way By
demonstrating to the satisfaction of
Congress that an enlightened public
sentiment will heartily approve such
appropriation.
| With this object in view the In
terstatc Mississippi River Improve
ment and Leyee Association has
determined on most vigorous and
aggressive campaign of education,
knowing that when the facts are
properly presented and understood
the good judgmen, of the nation
will not only approve, but impera-
lively demand the reclamation and
protection of this vast territory,
winch will add so largely 10 the
productive capacity cf the country,
and Will give new life and impetus
10 its business.
As one means 80 this end, we have
determined to make use of Mr..
Tompkins' book, e.1'he Riparian
Lands Of the Mississippi River;
Past, Present, Prospective" edited
10y him and written by able and in
dueniial engineers and public men,
who are thoroughly acquainted with
the Valley, its resources, lis needs,
and its system Of dikes. The hand
some appearance of the book, its
I valuable maps, attractive engravings,
and able articles VIII make it gift
worthy of the people of the grea,
Valley, and The intention is TO pre-
sent large number of copies TO
members Of Congress, Boards of
Trade, Chambers of Commerce, and
other influential men and organiza-
tions throughout the country. The
book circulated in this way will prove
a potent factor, not only in mould
ing public sentiment in favor of the
Catchings Bill, but in advertising
the resources of the whole country,
and the world at large. Mr.. Tomp-
kins has, generously consented that
all donations Tor it's publication and
all subscriptions shall constitute a
fund to be paid into the Delta Trust
and Banking Company, of Vicks-
burg, Miss, our Treasurer, the net
proceeds 10 belong to the Levee AS
ISOLATION, and to be used IN helping
us to defray the expenses of the cam
paign above mentioned, and the cost
of keeping an influential delegation
dreaded by our regular representa-
tive, Capt. Patrick Henry at the
National Capitol, pending the pass
age of the Catchings Bal.
| therefore hope that the book
will command liberal support from
all those who feel an interest in the
levee system, and in the develop
ment of the Valley aud its many
resources.
1t is proper for me to add that |
intend also, as President of the As
sociation, to again prosecute with the
utmost vigor our correspondence
plan, which, under the immediate
charge of Mr.. Tompkins, has proved
of so much value III the past, and by
which We hope To reach and enlist
the sympathy and influence of the
most substantial business men in all
parts of the country. 1t is our in.
tention To send out in this connec-
ton, between this time and the first
Of March next, not less than fifty
thousand letters, and if our funds
are sufficient for the purpose, per
haps double that number.
Further than this, we will, at the
proper time, take the necessary steps
to secure strong resolutions from the
Boards of Trade aud Chambers of
Commerce Of all the large and inhu-
entail cities of the country beartil,
endorsing the "Catchings Bill" and
calling on their members of Con
gress to render active aid IN secur-
ing its passage.
la short nothing will he left un-
done to secure for the bill the in
Haenee of most aggressive public
sentiment, which is always necessary
in the passage of great relief
measure, such as our necessities re-
quire.
| hope and believe that we will
have the hearty cooperation of the |
public IN a campaign, which, if sue
eessfal, will afford permanent relief
from the dangers of overflow, and
the heavy and ever increasing burden |
of taxation.
Yours respectfully,
CHAS SCOTT.
President, Interstate Mississippi
River Improvement and Levee
Association.