St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1910-02-19
3 Tan,n,aau farmer.
Saturday, February 10, 1910.
SURVEY OF ABlrA RIVER ORDERED

UUAu6ys ECUiudSJ 1ys lJlUs
SURVEY OF ABITA RIVER ORDERED.
Probably at no time than the present
could the people of Abita receive more jubi-
lantly the announcement that Hon. Robt. C.
Wickliffe has secured an order of survey
of the Abita River. Conditions are such at
present that an opening up of this river af-
fords the only relief from a situation that
ultimately must work great injury to the
town. Merchants are now hauling freight
from the river landing in Covington, dis
lance of three miles; yet while the freight
charges are reasonable, and the introduction
of a new boat, shortly, to make daily
trips from Covington, Vaudeville and New
Orleans will greatly reduce the inconven-
fence, there is a feeling that the prestige of
the town is injured by its being placed in such
position. Therefore, the indication that
the Abita River will be opened up and made
navigable, so that passageway will be gained
to the lake by way Of the Tchefuncta River,
promises that Abita will have waterway
affording commercial advantages greater
than anticipated even by those who have
been strongly impressed by her promise of
future growth and prosperity.
Five or six years ago the subject of OPEN
ing up the Abita was duly discussed. The
practicability of such project was admitted,
but the initiative for putting the proper in
fuences at work to accomplish it seemed to
be lacking. A few months ago, when Col.
Lansing Beach was in Covington looking into
needed work on the Tchefuncta and Bogue
Falaya rivers, delegation from Abita, COM
posed Of Capt. P H. Thompson, Judge A.
0. Pons and H. P. Thomson, as result of
Judge Pon's agitation of the question,
waited on Colonel Beach with view to as
certaining what could be done in the matter.
The result Of this conference was communi-
cation with Mr.. Wickliffe, who had the data
sent to him which established the need and
the proftableness of such channel and Sc
cured an order Of survey.
There is no doubt, if this passageway is
opened up, that the carrying trade of the
river will become large and profitable one.
There are mills enough in the vicinity, with
cheap rates, to ship four or five million feet
of lumber year, besides piling, other tim
Der products, wood, tar and charcoal. With
the growth of the town there will be a largely
increased shipment of merchandise, house
hold goods, etc., besides the business that
would come from the surrounding farms
Hence the citizens of Abita particularly
appreciate the efforts of Mr.. Wickliffe in
their behalf. He has also secured an appro-
priation of $4,000 for the Tchefuncta,
Bogue Falaya, Amite and Tickfaw rivers
and tributaries and Bayou Manchac. While
this is not large sum, in the face Of the
Presidents insstance upon economy, ii
speaks we'll for the watchfuIness over our
ninterests that this sum was provided. The
!, Tchefuncta River is much in need Of free
and open channel and it is probable that the
Increased traffic of this river will demand a
much larger appropriation next time. It is
also probable that Mr.. Wickliffe will be in a
position to secure it for us.
Mr.. Wickliffe has been an active worker
in the interest Of his district. His speech
in favor of an appropriation of $780, 900 in
stead of $215, 900 for protection from the
boil weevil was mastery effort and met
with loud applause. Senator Foster has
taken up the matter in the Senate and it
appears that the increase will be made. Mr..
Wickliffe has also introduced bill to make
Baton Rouge a SUPPORT Of entry in the New
Orleans district. This would allow vessels
to clear at Baton Rouge without stopping at
New Orleans, and would greatly facilitate
the business of enterprises in Baton Rouge.