Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1910-10-21
PRESIDENTS REPORT.

Delta, La, Oct. II, 1910.
To the Honorable Board of Commission
ers Fifth Louisiana Levee District.
Gentlemen-There has been nothing
but hot weather and dead fish in the pits
to interfere with levee construction since
the last meeting of the board, but these
have been somewhat against the progress
OF the work; however, all new levees ex-
cept Ingefild have been completed; all
work now being done is enlargement.
GAZING BANKS.
The caving of banks continues at Ath-
erton, Mascot, Milliken's Bend, Duck
port, Reid, Biggs, Hard Times, Kempe,
Sycamore, kinmore and Fairview; in
fact, there is continuous cavtng in all the
bends; it is probable that some temper
airy work will have to be done at Ather-
ton, Sycamore, kinmore and Fairview.
Temporary loops become necessary
from several causes: First, to await de-
yelopments to see that work will be re-
qured after caving bend shapes itself;
second, because there is not time to build
permanent line before the old levee
caves in, and, third, on account of lack
Of funds.
MAINTENANCE, COST AND REPAIR.
The levees have been cleared of weeds,
bushes and logs, and other debris which
prevent the growth of bermuda grass (the
great protector of levees against rain and
wavewash.
Crops are being gathered and so soon
as they are harvested hogs will be run
ming at large, depredating on the levee
and doing considerable injury by root
ing. urge all planters for the protec-
ton of their own fields and the levee
that they ring all hogs on their property.
take this early opportunity, so no
one will plead lack of notice and time,
10 call attention to all rice planters bring
ing water over the levee for irrigation,
that laws governing the use of syphons
| lover the levee) will be strictly enforced.
Blue prints with specifications will be
furnished on application to this office.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMISSION.
There is growing interest by the Mis-
sissippi River Commission in revetment
work and | feel sure that if sufficient APP
preparations are made that all the caving
bends will he reverted and the levee line
made permanent. In doing this it will
probably divert greater amount from
4
quire local levee interests to build, main
tain and repair the levees. l sincerely
hope that the general government will
eventually take charge of all river i'm
provement work, butt he time is not yet,
and there must first be greater senti-
ment created throughout the whole coun-
try for general river and harbor improve
ment.
The greatest force in creating this SEN
timent is the national rivers and harbors
congress, which has membership in ev-
cry city, county and state in the Union.
Hon. Jos. +. Ransdell, congressman
from the Fifth congressional district OF
Louisiana, is president of this organiZa-
ton, and one of the most potent factors
in the interest of river and harbor i'm
provement, by actively and ably cham
piOning the cause of rivers and harbors
in every part of the United States until
he has become known everywhere as one
of the great leaders in this movement.
The state of Louisiana is as much in
terested in river and harbor improve
ment as any state in the Union, and
urge this and every levee board in the
state and every citizen to lend active in
tiuence towards forwarding the work OF
the national rivers and harbors congress
and creating a sentiment which will be
felt in the national halls of congress and
even in the White House.
The police juries, in some instances,
are particeps criminis in deprenating on
, the levee, 10y riding and driving, because
OF its failure t. build good roads. The
sentiment of the people in the Fifth
Louisiana Levee District is for levee pro.
lection and they always stand ready tc
assist the levee authorities; the polio,
ljuries should recognize that it is not an
indication of good board to spend ne
money, but what does constitute one i;
economical spending of taxes collected
for improvents beneficial to all the pub
lie. Good roads are the most generally
useful, the best advertisement and the
greatest promotion to religious Language
that can be given to the people for thei
money; be economical, but build road