The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1905-12-09

into the basin through which the canal
is being cut.
In the great storm OF 1856. the whole
country between the highlands above
alluded to. was submerged for two
months by the waters Of the Vermiliion.
which was pressed up from the gulf by
the wind. and the crop entirely destroy
ed. All persons residing In that section
was compelled to abandon their homes.
1t is true that the water IN the Teche
rose unusually high, but it subsidized to
Its usual level in few days. and with
such canal as the one now in course Of
construction, the water could and would
have been easily vented, portion Of the
crop saved, the destruction Of the stock
prevented, and honest. hard working,
industrious people would not have been
compelled to camp out for two months.
aud be dependent on the charity of their
more fortunate neighbors for sustenance
for their wives and children. It seems
to me the first question to be asked H..
how Is this basin to be relieved? Is it
by long and circuitous route. throwing
back the water from whence it came, OF
by short direct cut to the Techep Com
mon sense certainly indicates the latter
as the most feasible plan. and common
sense is backed by science In this in.
stance. as will fully appear by the copy
Of certain data taken from the field notes
Of the Engineer. showing accurately thu
relative position Of the levels Of th'
country directly affected by this drain
and which Is herewith submitted to you
Almost every man has his peculiar no
tious about every thing, from the mos
simple to the most scientific, and many
without understanding the laws whicl
govern the winds and tides. and th
course by which water seeks Its level
, think they know more than those VIII
have devoted their time and attention +
such subjects, and who. consequently
: have the benefit Of both practical an
theoretical experience. The work II
question was located and commence
under your supervision. after accurat
surveys BY an able and experience
cords Of engineers. and l have no hssita
tion In expressing the opinion. that,
pushed to completion, 1t will stand q
one of the few monuments Of Legisla
tive wisdom 10 this State. rebound to th
interest and prosperity Of that sectiO
Of the country, and prove the wisdol
= displayed by YOU in carrying out tn
letter and spirit Of the Acts suthorizin
the work.
= The resources Of the Parish Of st. MAJ
tin, once developed, would make her on
Of the richest parishes In the State. b.
how are those resources to be dslsloped
. In answer by the fostering aid Of II
State in making appropriations to bull
levees aud cut canals. thereby drainin
and retaining her rich alluvial land
. Let her share Of the magnificent dom
: tion Of Congress be employed 10 the col
struction Of such works a. the one !
' question. and In few years. she wi
). take her place in the trout rank. a. on
!. Of the largest producing parishes in Il
State Of both Of our great staples; b.
;. resources for revenue will be quadruI
= led. and her sturdy and industrious cit
Gems will. from the enhanced value
their property and the enlarged iDcreal
= Of the products Of her soil. soon DO 81
= abled to pay back into the State Tressl
). ~ fourfold the amount expended.
Very respectfully. your
abedient servant,
w. j. HEARD.
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