Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1909-06-29

gineering, and must be due to other
conditions, such as those OF demand
and supply, water and rail cpnpeti-
ton, and Of business management in
general"
This situation on the Mississippi
river and its tributaries, the report
says, is not the only case Of its kind
in the United States. Even Chicago,
in spite of Its size, its increasing popu-
lation and factories, its direct frontage
on the deep water of the great lakes,
and It's excellent inner harbor Of the
olden type has recently found itself
in the same predicsment and mas been
obliged to make special search for the
reasons thereof.
Population is Factor.
The report describes the Mississippi
river valley for miles back OH each
side of the river between st. Louis and
the gulf as mainly an alluyial valley
richly endowed by nature, and suscep
tible of rapid, extensive. and valuable
future development which at present
is delayed mainly by lack Of popula-
tion and funds. Although the large
cities and towns OF the Mississippi
valley are few, they are doing finely
in view of their limited population. No
large amount of local commerce
can be expected, however, when
the population is as low as Sc to
IA per square mile, including cities,
and where, in total length of about
towns as cities of above 10000 popula,
5000 population each.
AS the population increases in the
Itch alluyial valley of the lower Mis-
fissippi, so will the agricultural and
manufacturing interests increase and
the lower valley will have Il surplus
of products to distribute to the upper
valleys or to foreign countries. The
development of the lower Mississippi
river must necessarily affect the de-
velopment of the entire river basin.
INCLUDING the basins of the upper Mis-
sissippi above ST. Louis, the Misss-
sipi and Ohio.
THE states between ST. Louis and
st. Paul" the report asserts. "are
still largely undeveloped. On the west
side of the river some timber still re-
mains to be cut. iron and cement ores
are awaiting cheap transportation,
agricultural products and live stock
will be raised in larger quantities and
manufacturing plants will be establish
ed as the country fills with population.
Illinois Is richly underlaid with coal
sufficient for many years to furnish
considerable quantities for export
trade as well as for local demand.
The Missouri river states. Missouri.
Il Nnh cl. ~
Dakotas, Under the increase Of popu
lation. will add enormously to all
classes of products. agricultural, min
eral and manufactures, foraxport aft
er the supply of home demands.
Ohio River Valley VIII Gain.
THE Ohio river valley has yet large
areas Of timber, cement and coal lands
to develop and shows every indication
of great future development Of popu-
lation. farming. and manufacturing in
dustries. All these up-river basins may
be expected to interchange their sur
plus products with those of the lower
river basins. calling upon the latter
for such articles as rice, sugar, mo-
lassses, etc, which are being produced
in the southern alluyial valley
The improvement in navigation of
the Mississippi. the report continues,
affords conveniences and facilities far
in advance Of anything at present be-
ing utilized or being demanded by
boating interests. and such improve
ment practically Is equal to that which
the Ohio valley interests at present
are demanding for their own river and
with which they will he we'll salts
fed. AS matter of fact, there Are
few rivers anywhere in the United
States or Europe that are today in
better condition for navigation than
the Missouri. Mississippi and the Ohio,
taken as an entire system
Moreover, the results obtained per
dollar OF cost have equaled anything in
foreign countries. AS population and
general business increase. as railroad
service becomes congested and as the
boat service improves in it methods
of handling freights and Of collecting
goods from the shipper and delivering
them to the consignee. the waterways
probably will again resume their pro.
per place as valuable and economical
method of freight transportation. at
least for heavier and bulkier classes OF
goods.
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