The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1913-12-11
EXPERT OPINIONS

In Mr.. Jervey's' opinion the res
ervoir system would be the ideal sys-
tenn of solving the flood problem:
that is, providing those undertaking
the work had unlimited money at
their command.
There was general discussion OF
the question at the close of Major
Jervey's talk. in which citizens from
every section OF the city took part. n.
L. Ogden stated that he did not think
$2.IOO.OO0 for the levees would be an
extraordinary expenditure in view OF
the great benefits which would be
gained. He gave figures TO show how
this amount could be raised without
great difficulty by increasing the
bond limit OF the city. In the event
an election was held and the PROPOSE
tion did not meet with the approval
OF the entire city. he suggested that
the districts affected by the floods be
incorporated separately from the rest
OF the city TO bond itself for a certain
amount
The increase in real estate result
ing from the elimination of foods.
Mr.. Ogden stated. would more than
repay the property owners for the
proposed expenditure.
Others Talk
John Wallace. secretary OF the
municipal league. gave quite an ex-
tended talk on the different phases
or the Hood question. one method
of escaping the high water he advo-
Gated was the raising OF the streets
and buildings in the low lying dis
tricts. Mr.. Wallace said that he did
not believe the people of Wheeling
would turn down a bond issue for
such worthy object. and that he was
firmly convinced that II the right
methods were used the flood propo-
sition could be- settled within the
next i've years.
c. II. Abercrombie gave II as his
belief that flood prevention would
benefit the entire city. II was Mr.
Abercrombie who later made the mo-
tion that a committee be appointed
10 arrange for the public mass meet
ing.
Christian Vieweg. OF the South Side.
asserted that II some improvement
could be made that would protect that
section from floods, that ii would MI
up Immediately with additional resi-
dents. factories and various industries.
This could not help but add materially
10 the value of the property.
Charles 4. Bowers. cashier OF the
South Side Bank, and property own
er oil South Wheeling. gave "A most
graphic description OF how the bust
ness establishments and residents OF
that section were handicapped and in
ConvcuIenCed by the yisitations OF the
Hoods. 10 was Mr. Bowers sincere
belief that immediate action should
be taken 10 hurry the day when floods
shall cease To- iunict suffering ana
loss upon thousands living in the
city.
Colonel George Hook. of the Ger
mania Half Dollar Savings bank, and
IA resident OF the Island. who pres id-
ed most ably as chairman during the
meeting, also gave short talk before
the close. tie. too. urged the neces-
sity OF prompt action. in the matter OF
flood prevention.
Before adjournment. a rising vote
of thanks was extended to Captain
Mitchell for his ably prepared paper.
Major Jervie was likewise thanked
for the assistance he had given dur
ing the meeting Both the officers
stated that they would be glad 20
render any further aid possible To the
committee.
Captain Mitchelrs Talk.
Captain Mitchell discussed TO some
length the question Of raising Wheel
ing Island, which he estimated ar 30
cents per cubic yard lie gave figures
along this line. showing just what
would be necessary 70 place the
Island above the high mark Of the
1854 food and then went into the
discussion OF the levee system. His
remarks were prefaced with state
ments az calculations. which. he said
were made hurriedly and said that be
would not guarantee their ACCURACY
although. he stated. they are more
accurate than any other figures that
have been submitted on the subject
In discussing the leyee system. De
said.
Levces.
They may be- made OF earth or
concrete. For the earth lcyees I have
assumed a width of 10 feet at the tor
and a slope OF Z foo; vertical ON @
feet horizontal For the concrete
wall. a G2is per cent wall 20 feet
wide az top, extending from point
90 feet below the surface OF tho
ground % the height OF the 1854 flood
OF 524 feet above low water These
assumptions require on earth levcs
varying from DO 20 go feet ln height
having a base from Co % 900 feet, OI
a concrete wall varying from 10 20 OF
feet en- height with ha.e from 1O
TO % feet. have estimated tn.
levee as completely eucircUug wheel
ing Island. extending along tine river
front from The Pennsylvania railroad
station az Eleventh street to ths
mouth ~ Wheeling creek. from th.
mouth of Wheeling creek on tho north
bank 20 Fifteenth street. from tl,
j.. a. .. railroad tIdurt on fhr south
bank around 90 Twentieth street
south along the river front from DO,
y. & . viaduct tp Forty eighth street
ar 10 BenwOod This takes us 90 fn,
corporate limits of fhe city
Wheeling island
The concrete vail would be ap
prOKimately 1900 feet lore. ar,
would have $500 feet o. POO fool
wall. $500 feet OF O.. foot wall. 1IOD'
feet Of aG foot wall. and 1000 foe'
81 % foot vail Earth leyees would
Do built ln sections Of practically mo
same lenzth. but ON account of boIns
built ON the natural surface 81 OBJ,
ground would hr 30 feof Joss Ir
height Tho earth levra proper ir o..
timafed to ro.' ftlf.1-s. and fhe ron.
frffn UrFa FssI -f. Tho r,.t 90 co..