The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-09-12
salient FEATURES OF TEN YEARS
FARMING STATISTICS IN THE u. s..
THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI.

TIE ml1Ft MiSStSSifPl.
Jasper BlInes Tells Of Trip to Quin.
cy and What He Saw, Heard
and Thought.
To the Editor of The Gate City:
The poet Dyer was in fine harmony
with his subject when he said:
And see the rivers how they run
Through. woods and meads, in shade
and sun,
Sometimes swift sometimes slow,
Wave succeeding wave, they go
A various journey to the deep.
And during a voyage recently upon
the beautiful river ship Sidney de-
voted most OF the day and some of the
night to study of the Mississippi as
viewed from elevations of the swiftly
sailing steamer in the early days of
the first autumn month of the year
But why is there such vast body OF
water especially after spring and
summer of scarcely any surface water
or run-off, as the authorities of the
subject term the rainfall which drains
into depressions, rivulets, and onward
into rivers of the first class. and at
last into the Gulf of Mexico? A river
at this time is draining out of in
ternal waters of the earth which
were precipitated in former months
The norfh fc 10 ~
loses in volume as the seepage grows
less and less.
Southwark from Keokuk the Mis-
sissippi moves in its imperial journey
in gentle curve slightly southwest
This study of river and its ways is
pleasant theme A stream of the
magnitude of the Mississippi natural
ly requires vast flood plain along
its course, and over its food plain the
stream is inclined to wander, unless
obstructed by the devices of man.
The river meanders over its flood
plain and at common tides the current
of the stream wanders through its
own waters. These principles are con-
stantly at work. The rivers of our
continent were important affairs in
the existence and welfare of the
strange people who populated this new
world in former years. and it is plain
why the great Indian chief Black
Hawk declared that he loved the
Mississippi.
During the prevalence of common or
low tides of the water steamers move
in obedience to the plans and orders
of the United States government
This is, boats must follow a certain
right of way which has depth Of water
ample to facilitate safe transporta-
ton. The new steamer Sidney with
its hundreds of Keokuk people came
into the port of Warsaw in gayety
and splendor. There are many differ
ences In the boats of these years and
the boats of former times. Now there
is less noise, less hurry, finer dis
cipline, and improved order The
captain and boistorous mate have be-
come just like other people. as good
Abe Lincoln said of public speakers
whom he had thought were extra kind
OF men. The steam calliope is more
refined in tones. Truly the republic
Is improving in several prominent
elements.
At Warsaw the Streckfus steamer
company have spacious accommoda.
lions and a nice Office wherein Cap
tain Frank Meyers is ruler. The
captain introduced me to Mr.. Zange
of the steamer Keokuk, and we talked
| OF historical events of the towns and
/ the rivers. The exodus for Quincy
was largely honored at Warsaw by
several hundred people. and when the
palace ship moved away she seemed
well populated How quietly, skill
| fully and gracefully the Sidney pur
sued its right OF way we'll TOWARD
Missouri, following the line of deer
| water. A company of expectant ex
cursion folks were in display on From
street of Alexandria, but the shin O.
state silently and in fine style moved
swiftly by the historic old town Fol-
several miles the deep water incline:
/ near Lie NilSootli Gnu I'LL
principle rules chiefly along the jour
ney. Professor Ferrel as long ago al
in 1858 ascertained that stream
running either northward or south
ward, favors its west shore most. H,
reasoned that this fact is due to thu
influence of the earths rotation
There were lights along the shor
! besides those of the United State
government Good friends were som
CT the lights. Resting and enjoying
the scenery along the Missouri line
my reverie was modified by the CON
ing of fine character who extends
his hand of welcome and in kindes
: words greeted me. 1t was Capital
Dan Dipple, who some years ago prs
sided on the ferry boat at Warsaw an
2 Alexandria, and later was captain c
I the steamer Keokuk. He modest
} informed me that he Is now con
mander of the splendid steamer Sir
:. ney. 1t is fine selection for fin
: ship. and my estimation of Capital
Dipple is more and more confirmed
On this voyage one prominent SUI