The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1899-12-02
TIE cArCnINGs NM.

/ 10 the IUbllt'
The "Catchings Bill" proyid-
inc for the appropriation of 500
600. 600, looking to the protection
from inundatiun of the al'uylal
lands of the Mississippi valley
from Cairo south to the Gulf, NlII
be brought forward for dohiie and
final action at the approaching
session of Congress,
The Senate committee OF com
MERGE had already approved dona
ton approximating the sum above
mentioned, and the unqualified in
dorsement of this measure
of national importance by
the late Waterways convention,
together with the hattering oya-
ton spontaneously accorded to as
able author by that assemblage OF
distinguished men from all parts
of the Mississippi basin, led me
to believe that there is Il bright
prospect for the passage of this
or some similar measure of re-
lief, provided we pave the way by
demonstrating to the satisfaction
of Congress that an enlightened
public sentiment will heartily APP
prove such appropriation.
With this object IN view, tho
Interstate-M Mississippi River I'm
proyement and Leyee Association
is determined on a most vigorous
and aggressive campaign of educa-
ton, knowing that when the facts
are properly presented and under
stood that the good judgment of
the nation will not only approve,
but imperatlvely demand, the
reclamation and protection of this
vast territory, which will add so
largely to the productive capacity
of the country and Will give new
lite and impetus to its business.
As one means to this end, we
have determined to make use Of
Mr. Tompkins' book, "The Ri
parian Lands of the Mississippi
River; Past, Present and Pros
pectiye," edited by him, and writ
ten by able and influential engl-
neers find public men who are
thoroughly acquainted with the
valley, its resources, its needs, and
It's system of bikes. The hand
some appearance of the book, its
valuable maps, attractive engrav-
ings and able articles will make it
a gift worthy of the people OF the
great valley, and the intention is
to present a large number of copies
to members of Congress, boards
of trade, chambers of commerce,
and other influential men and or
CARNATIONS throughout the coun-
try. The book circulated in this
way will be a potent factor not
only in molding public sentiment
IN favor of the Catchings bill, but
in advertising the resources of the
valley to the whole country and
the world at large. Mr. Temp
kins has generously consented
that all donations for its publica-
ton from the levee boards and all
shall constitute a
fund to be paid into the Delta
Trust and Banking Company, of
Vicksburg, Miss, our treasurer,
the net proceeds to belong to the
Levee Association, and to be used
in helping us to defray the ex-
penses of the campaign above
mentioned, and the cost of keep
ing an influential delegation,
headed by our regular representa-
tive. Capt. Patrick Henry, at the
rational capital, pending the pas
sage of the Catchings bill.
| therefore hope that the book
will command a liberal support |
from all those who feel an interest |
n the levee system and the devel-
nent of the valley and its many
tits proper for me to add that |
intend also, as president of the as
to again prosecute with |
he utmost vigor our correspon-
lence plan, which, under the i'm
Mediate charge of Mr.. Tompkins,
lad proved of so much value IN
he past, and by which we hope to
each and enlist the sympathy and
influence of the most substantial
business men in all parts of the
1t is our intention to
end out in this connection, be-
ween this time and the first of
March next, not less than $4,000 /
etters, and if our funds are sufi-
ent for the purpose, perhaps
.Ouble that number,
Further than this, we will, at
he proper time, take the neces-
airy steps to secure strong resolu-
IONS from the boards of trade and
hambers of commerce of all the
lrge and influential cities of the
heartily indorsing the
bill ana calling on their
lembers of Congress to render ac-
i've aid in securing its passage. II
n short, noting will be left un-
one to secure for the bill the IN
uence of a most aggressive pub
C sentiment, which Is always ne
essary in the passage of a great
elief measure, snch as our neces-
ties require.
l hope and believe that we will
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