The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1902-12-07

The waters thus obstructcd during the
normal condition Of the river, lie current
less In the deep reaches. II appears evil
dent that II sunken snags and foatng
timber were removed, spur dikes construct
ed. TO direct the current over loose shoals
and channels opened through the rock
lodges, giving the water freer course, the
deep basins Ia the long reaches Of the
river would be partly drained and be able
to take good portion Of the rise
~
Pending the effort which will no doubt
be made for slack water navigation above
Old Washington, It is hardly probable that
any action will be taken by congress for
the removal OF rock shoals on that section
OF the river; and, perhaps, the same may
not be deemed desirable under such sys-
TEN or, at least until the location for
locks and dams has been made. The clear
Ing Of the river of floating timber and
snags and removal OF decayng timber
from the banks and bottoms, would, how.
ever, harmonic with any plan OF improve
ment and relieve the lower part OF the
river Of much debris IN time OF u rise.
II rs hardly To be supposed that the
| accelerated movement of the watertow, In
It's normal stage. or IN time OF M ordinary
use. would affect the bottoms In the lower
part Of the river but TINS IL matter for
| consideration. Tho United States govern
| nent has undertukcu the improvement OF
! he navigation TO Old Washington during
| the season Of usual rainfall. It's work VIII
| proceed and n f. the Interest OF tho
| counties bordering on the river and OF the
state, to work ia harmony and cooperation
with the United states engineers, IN order
10 secure, not only the best results for
| navigation. but also Tor the protection OF
| the lands from overflow.
II is noted that tho scheme OF navigation
| Improvement TO Old Washington looks 10
! Am ultimate system Of slack water nayi-
| aah. and ~ Tug de- al
| Tor a season Of longer navigation developed
| and when most urgently necessnry;' also
| that navigation Improvement above 10
| WuCo is based upon such Il system only.
! Colonel H. NJ Robert. the division United
| states engineer SAYS iu bis report
rThe Brazos river Is subject 10 great
floods aud ] presume the presence OF fixed
| cia ms for damages The lands that might
| occasionally be injured by the dams would
| an the whole be greatly enhanced IN value
,corid seem but equitable that the owner.
| should waive any claim for damages arts
ING from the construction Of these dam,
| before any Of them are begun"
| While therefore, the question OF protect
| tn9 ievees ls not considered by the govern
mont IN the Improvement now provided ]
Is involved. II SLACK water navlgatlon y
| Elevation OF water level, necessary for lock
age supply. No estimate Is at command
ne 10 TIE cost OF necessary leyee protection
| above Ola MANNlAhAbAif NNA - AlN hHANf
20 ~ greater average height II wonl,
likely be proportionatcly less than for tn
river below
Incident 10 protection against overflow
IN Tho section Of the river now about TO b.
improved is the question OF additional out
lets for the river Assistant Engineer $
NJ wilcox. who made the survey Of No
venber 1894. from Richmond 10 velasco
SAYS:
,.r,ll,,,torr streEins ere very few. Jhes
.rects could not be used for getting rid o
snaRs. etc. ns they become almost torrent
Immediately after rise and during neav'
Tbe eiose configuity Of the San Beruar
river Tor . considerable distance along IN