The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-09-16
TENS VALLEYS BLOOM AGAIN.
The Inundstion OF the Brazos and Colorado
Rivers a Blessing In DiEuise.

AUSTIN. Tex. sept. the valleys Of the
Rrazos and Colorado rivers which we're in
undated ny overhows Of those streams in July,
lSSn. have been reclaimed and will this year
Weld an immense crop Of cotton. II was com
~arvHiiyelv estimated that the floods Of last
year destroyed growing cotton in the valley
or the Bralos River that would have yielded
iully 10000 bales. while the loss in the valley
Of the Colorado amounted 10 another 100. go
bales. Not only was this growing crop swept
TO destruction. but the plantations along the
rivers were denuded of all their buildings. fence
and other improvements. The humble homes
of thousands OF negro families who were EN-
ployed on the plantations we're washed away
and the terrified Inhabitants had 20 seel; refuge
on higher ground along the surRing rivers.
When the waters subsidized the full effect
Of the destructive foundations was TO be seen.
The overflow extended along the Brazos River
from its mouth al Nelasco. on the Gulf Of Mexico.
to the northern part Of the state, a distance Of
probably four hundred miles by course Of the
river. The width Of the overlooked valley
was from one mile TO fifteen miles. Along the
Colorado River the inundation extended from
the Gulf of Mexico to Austin. a distance of prob
ably three hundred miles. When the news Of
the disaster reached the people Of Texas and
wv NNlNFAA ~ III ~ W. H'AA
in from all over the country In aid of the suffer
ing colored people. Several hundred thousand
dollars we're expended through relief com
mittees for supplies. II was probably six weeks
from the time the overtIows were IT their height
before the waters had subsided and the ground
was again in condition TO be worked.
The task before the planters was a stupendous
one, but they met the difficulties with an in
domitable will and courage that soon accom-
plished wonders. The negvoes were at first
loath to return TO the bottoms, They had
been faring so well through the generous charity
of a sympathetic people that they had no desire
TO make a change. when the planters could
not induce them to return to their labors the
free-food SUPPLIES were cut of by the relief
committees Of the several communities and
the refugees we're informed that they would
either have TO work or starve. They preferred
TO work. Upon their return TO the plantations
the work Of rehabilitation was carried on with
vigor. 4 rich silt covered the valleys Of the
two rivers TO a great depth. Owing TO the
lateness Of the season no general effort was
made 10 raise another crop, except that Of forage
for the plantation live stock. The next several
months were DEVOTED TO rebuilding fences.
buildings, and getting the plantations in condi-
ton for this seasons crops.
when the cotton-plantinR season arrived
this wear tho inundated district had been re-
claimed and a full acreage was put In along
both riverS- Tho soil had become 20 greatly
enriched by the ovcrfows that the cotton plant
has grown like magic, II Ia the opinion Of
many planters that the inundation was really
n blessing In disguise. that tho silt which was
deposited throughout the valleys Of tho two
rivers has added more 10 the value Of the soil
than the amount Of loss sustained by the destruc-
ton wrought by the floods