New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1902-05-31
PLAQUEMINE LOCKS.

Washington, May 27.-Letters,
kilograms and resolutions received
here from the Third Louisiana
Congressional District indicate that
the people there have mis-
taken idea regarding the work that
is going on at the head of Bayou
Plaquemine on what is known as
the Plaquemine locks. The erron-
eous statement recently made by
New Orleans newspaper that "the
work on the PIaqnemine locks may
be discontinued" has awakened
considerable anxiety. The i'm
preston is abroad in Louisiana
that the board now investigating
PIaquemine locks is there to deter
mine whether or not the impOr-
tant work shall be continued and
that the board is making its inves-
tigation by direction of Congress.
Representative Broussard Of the
district said to-day that the board
consisting of Col. Ames Stickney,
Major Knight and Major Simons,
was not in Louisiana to determine
whether or not the work on the
Plaquemine locks should be aban-
doned, and that the gentlemen are
in Louisiana without the authority,
sanction or knowledge of Con
gress.
For some time differences have
existed between the local engineer
and the contractors, and these
differences have caused suspen-
sion of the work. The government
wants to complete the work in the
period specified by the contract
rather than declare the contract
violated when the time limit ex
pires and then proceed against the
contractors. For this reason the
government appointed a commits
sion to investigate the differences
and report whether the contractors
should be put in default now or
whether the contentious Of the
contractors should be acauiesced in
and the department so shape its
course as to prosecute the work.
There never was, and there is now
no intention to stop the work. On
the contrary, the object of having
the commission investigate the
work is to expedite it.
Mr.. Broussard has received from
the engineers department the
assurance that the object sought
by the formation Of the Board of
Engineers was to prepare, at the
earliest practicable moment, a
method of settlement between the
government and the contractors
regarding claims for work already
done, and equitable rates for work
yet to be done, by which the work
Of Improvement may be resumed
aud continued to completion with
out delay. The main difference
relates to the gates and the work
connected herewith.
The contractors contend that in
piling the dirt in front of the gates
they should merely deposit it in
the manner in which the machine
drops it, the government contend
ing that the dirt should be packed
in such manner as is usually done
in building levees. The govern.
ment also insists on some alter
alton in the gates themselves, the
contractors protest that such alter.
} ations demand additional expenses.
|, These two are the most important
differences.
"It is evident" said Mr.. Brous.
sard, ''that the dirt should be
packed, and it is likewise evident
that if there be additional expenses
incurred by the contractors, in al
fairness they should be paid for it
Major Adams, in insisting on the
alterations, has at heart the best
interests Of the government and
the people, and the board, consist
ing of men eminent in their pro
fession, will no doubt pass upor
the justice of the various conten
tions. That is their duty and theil
!, instruction.
"There will, however, be nc
delay about the project. May
1903, the time fixed for the termi
/ nation of the contract, will see th'
opening of the locks. Every dol
lar requested by the department
has been appropriated, the las
appropriation being in the Fifty
sixth Congress. This is contin
uous project and, even if the funds
, , run short, Congress would doubt
! less respond to any reasonable de
mand for additional money to com
plete it. There is no necessity fol
our people to worry over the mat