The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-01-01

stead OF being compelled to spend
long years In reconnaissances and ba-
sic surveys.
Now this Is Of great interest at this
time. for practically the same condi-
ton applies in considering drainage
construction. General preliminary
surveys have been made OF consider
able Of our eastern swamp areas and
the Geological Survey Is working to-
day In a number OF sections making
detailed basic surveys OF swamps,
upon which actual drainage construc-
ton can be confidently founded.
The federal reclamation OF our vast
swamp areas will not consist Of the
mere drainage Of local swamps-most
Of the small individual projects have
becn undertaken by private enterprise
but IL broad engineering problem,
the proper successful solution of
which depends upon consideration of
all the factors--physiograp hydro
graphic and climatilogical. AS was
stated by several speakers at the Bal
timore convention. all government
drainage construction must be pre-
ceded by careful and comprehensive
Investigation. else disaster Is likely to
result. Surveys OF topography must
be made and Investigations Of run
OF should be carried on. Considera-
tion Of rainfall, and geological condi-
tions are essential . just as much so as
In irrigation construction. AS stated,
the necessary preliminary facts. over
large portions Of the country have al
ready been collected by the Geological
Survey. Great areas have been sur
veyed for topography and the results
Of stream flows and general rainfall
are available as a result Of
work covering ten or more years: but
these highly essential Investigations
should be continued and with the
probability or even possibility OF con-
sressional action authorizing swamp
reclamation and construction largely
Increased preliminary surveys could be
made by the government with great
beneit to the country.
The South IL very deeply interested
In this plan Of reclamation. South
Carolina, according to Professor H. 8.
Shaler. who made an investig tigation Of
the swamp areas Of the Un-Atlantic
coast states over 20 years ago for the
0eological Survey, has some two mil
lion acres: North Carolina, nearly
two and . half million; Georgia, about
the same: Alabama and Virginia over
. million acres each; Mississippi
about six million acres and Arkansas
nearly a. much; Louisiana about ton
million acres and Florida between Is
and 20 million. In speaking Of these
areas. Professor shaler. stated that
they contain the dormant resources
OF tho nation and that when won TO
agriculture they promise q food Civ
ing value much exceeding any hixh
ping equal area Of land in the coun-
Try.
Does congress In any measure real
ise the Importance OF the problem?
II can be confidently stated that It
does. and Il Is believed that the ma
jority Of Its members are favorable to
a drainage law which will provide new
homes for actual settlers and at the
same time protect the government.
Thf public lands committee O. the
senate has already gone on record
last session-in favor Of a drainage
law and the senate itself is unoues-
tionably friendly. II Senator Latiiner
pulls his coat OF and gets behind his
drainage bill. as he has announced
that he will, In fact is. something
should be accomplished this session.
There will probably be harder night
In the house since it is more difficult
to secure recognition for any new
measure but 1t is known however.
that drainage, In that body, has @
host OF friends. What is probably
most needed is that the people OF the
country and the press. II they believe
In 1t. should take up the matter Wig
orously and aggressively and create a
wave Of public sentiment In its sup
port.
Senator Latimer's bill, which fol-
lows. Is worth reading. 1t is a true
measure; at the same
time 1t is a business proposition since
1t requires the repayment to the gov
crrment Of every cent expended.
When 1t is recalled that our reclaim
ed swamp areas are worth anywhere
from $40 to $500. an acre. the possii-
biltties lying in such q measure cali