The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1903-12-05
TO TAX PAYERS AND PLANTERS.

be introduced early in the approach
ing session of the Legislature by me-
Its purpo Sc is to provide means for
teh construction of new and impera-
tive work as we'll as the strengthen
ing of weaker points in old levees,
TO the end that the greatest possible
security against overflow or danger oil
it may be obtained. After careful
study of the situation and levee con-
ditions, it appears wise and prudent
to thus provide the means indispensa'
BILE to the security we need and Tor
which we look to our levee
authorities
l have conferred with large num-
Der of our largest tax p'yers on this
matter and in the wisdom of this is
sue of bonds 1 find but universal
concurrence.
We have today outstanding bonds
the amount of 81, $50, 900 with an
interest account ON the same of say
$50, 600 annually. These bonds were
i, sued years ago for work done or to
redeem short time bonds.
None of these are payable before
1924
The issue contemplated will ma
ture in 1914 an6 bear not more than
per cent. interest.
We have some long reaches or lines
to construct entirely anew owing to
encroacbment Of the liver in the up
per end of the district in Bolivar
county, with possibly new levee
at Longwood in Washington county
These 1evees are large and ezpen-
sive. They must be provided for II
we get protection. We cannot depend
unon United States government aid
for more than small per cent. OF the
needed money.
True, we have quite large debt,
but it is as nothing compared with
the loss that will follow general
overflow of this district, as is i'm
,ninent uni ass provided against.
Our property interests on all lines
are too great to allow us to hesitate
lin doing all we can to guarantee Sc
lcurity, at least at points known to III
as needing attention, such as Aus
Itralia and southwark for seven o
leieht miles, where new levees will b
needed in the immediate future, ant
from which four-ffths of the distric
will be overHowed, if not provides
against in due time.
The published report Of the leve
engineer clearly demonstrates the nee
; of new levees along new lines. guar
anteeing permanency to the creates
} possible degree. This will require
3 large sum of money and at once.
We are better able today to assum
debt of 50, 100000 than in IS!
e when the present debt was practica
g ly made.
{ Property vlaues have increased
d hundred fold. Population has grea
e " increased and our divers interes
= in towns and country have so multi
p piled of late years that we cam
afford to be derelict or delay a cou
aeeous treatment of subject or ma
# ter SO vital to us all.
This is a matter for the tax pave
q. and planters particularly to conside
;, I ask their candid business consider
!. ton, and 1 hope for cordial e
20 dorsement of the proposition.
20 The money as provided all goes in
@ dirt. If thought it necessary a lol
90 article on facts as to conditions a
j, necessities, physical and financi'
=, could be furnished. trust a me
allusion to these points, all Of viii
are known to so many people, is
that will be necessary to secure
intelligent consent to and support
e the bill at home.
In two years we will be compelled
build ten miles of new levee at G.
of 81, 900, 600 and over. Our ordin'
revenues are entirely insufficient
do the work in ten years and care
the remainder of the line of
miles. So we must provide this NOR
" or suffer calamitous loss.
~ W. W. Stone