The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-03-31
LEVEE BOARD QUITS THE JOB Cannot Battle With. Water
 Without Money. HYMELIA BREAK GROWS. Unless Railroads Aid It Will
 Be Abandoned. River Remained Stationary at New Orleans, But the Plaquemine
 District is Confronted with
 Inestimable Disaster.
HYMELIA BREAK GROWS

New Orleans, March 30.-The carrying away of additional cribbing at the lily melia crevasse early this morning brought the forces that have been at work there to the verge of abandonment of the at- tempt to close the break.
 Later in the day, however, as a result of several conferences 1t was agreed to continue the undertaking though all hands are likely to be called off if the terrific current washes out the new lines of crib ping which were started from both ends of the levee late this afternoon. In no event can the work be completed inside of a week and unless ample money is guaranteed the next disaster to the crib bring is likely to mark the end or the struggle.
 The levee board today let 1t be known that it was at the end of its resources and that unless the planters and the rail- roads could assure subscriptions amount ing to $50000 1t would be compelled to throw up its hands. Doubtless double that amount will be required to complete > the job. By evening 1t was said the break was close to 700 feet in width with the ends still steadily melting away.
 Two ridges between which the leves caved has prevented the water from spreading rapidly above and below, but the mighty torrent Is filling the lakes and bayous to the rear and in the next fort night the whole basin from the La Fourche to lower limits of cultivable lands in Plaquemine is likely to go under water, causing inestimable damage and much suffering.
 The Texas and Pacific road is now hopelessly involved with water running deep over it's tracks and with little hope of an early resumption of traffic if the crevasse is permitted to run until low water comes. The Southern Pacific peo- ple, however, claim that their service Is not likely to be interrupted owing to the height and solidity of their roadhed and Inc fact that 1t is freelc studded with cui- verts for the escape of flood water. The Howell crevasse, however, Is absolutely beyond control and this has suspended all krafic over the Napoleonville branch of khe Southern Pacific. the attempt to crib the roadbed having been abandoned.
 The river remained stationary today in front of this city, marking 2O3 at night fall as it had during the early mornng. The rise from yesterday, however, was two-tenths of a foot. Whether or not it will reach the predicted 21 feet depends to a large extent on tho result of the work at Hymelia. If the struggle there Is abandoned, the break there is likely to widen to such an extent as 10 carry on great volume of the flood that has been delayed in it's progress to the gulf by the great break in the levee at La Grange. Miss. If the Hymelia break Is not re- paired the level here will doubtless at tain the maximum referred to. In any event experienced observers are disposed to coincide with the view expressed by the government authorities here that the period of high water south of Baton Rouge will run for six weeks longer.
 It is expected that 1t will take the Fly melia water at least a fortnight to reach Algiers. Plans, however, are being made to strengthen and extend the present levees that protect the rear of the will lages on the west bank of the river.
 An inspection of the local levees gives no cause for apprehension as to their safety. The whole line. however is be- Ing subjected to careful watch by day and night.