New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1905-07-15
THE CANAL AT CHARENTON.

We publish below letter from Mr..
+. l.. Hunter relative to the old plan
OF connecting the Grand Lake and
Bayou Teche at Charenton, La. This
is matter that must interest all bus
mess men of this section as it will be
of great convenience to our lumber
interest in cutting off the distance in
towing timber and in everything in
which transportation charges are con
cerned. In connection with the
Plaquemine Locks it will cut Oft 80
miles of traffic thus saving time and
expense. The plan is feasible, and
was submitted to the government some
years ago, a survey WAS ordered and
appropriations made. The engineers
performed their duty and reported the
matter to the proper authorities.
since which nothing has been done.
There is vet balance Of the appropri-
alton amounting TO 1922, 600. which
could be used i'll cutting the canal
connecting the two bodies of water.
Interest in the matter is being revived
by all the people living OH the upper
and lower Teche who would use this
route at least one way. We commend
the plan aud urge that some definite
action be taken that the canal may be
secured. New Iberia is specially in
terested IN it's completion and should
give it hearty support. Let all the
people interested get together and
make a united effort to obtain this
great improvement
NEW ORLEANS, July Sd, 1908.
M. Geo. W. Dallas, Nem Iberia:
Dear Sir-Referring to the canal which
the Government proposed digging few
wears ago connecting Grand Lake with
the Teche, at or near Clarendon ; but
seems to have been dropped after the En-
giaeer's report, although there still re-
mains some $22, 900 of their appropriation
to be expended.
In conversation with Mr. Gutezunst sew
eral days ago, he told me that himself and
others interested in st. Martinsvifle were
now looking into the matter with view
eminent proposed taking.
It has occurred to me that this would be
an opportune time for all parties interest
ed on the upper Teche to agitate this mat
ter, as with the opening of the Plaquemine
locks, which information obtainable indi-
Gates will be during the latter part OF 1906,
| this Canal would shorten the route from
Plaquemine to points on the upper Teche,
Clarendon and north, approximately fifty
miles. When these locks are opened the
prospects are that there will be great
deal of navigation from Plaquemine to
points on the Teche and this route would
no doubt be used by perhaps half of the
vessels going north of Clarendon at least
in one direction.
am informed that few parties inter
ested bought the necessary land for this
Canal few years ago and presented it to
the Government. If these parties can be
prevailed upon to take the necessary ac-
ton they should at least be able to have
the Government turn the land back to
them or put the Canal through.
II the business interests generally OH
the upper Teche could be interested in
this matter, no doubt sufficient pressure
could be brought to bear upon our local
politicians to insure their getting some ac-
ton taken with this end ia view, do you
not think it would be we'll to bring this
subject up before the Commercial League
of your City, and others interested. If |
can be of any service in any way kindly
advise.
l understand that the engineer who in
vestgated this matter recommended locks
at the entrance to Grand Lake. Mr.. Cute
kunst states that he has looked into the
construction of the Canal and that there
is absolutely no need for putting in locks
at any part of it, This is also the opinion
advanced by others familiar with the stu
alton 30 whom I have talked.
E. l.. HUNTER