The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1916-07-27
PEACE RIVER

PEACE RIVER
Several months ago we wrote an ar
ticle on the question Of purifying and
keeping pure the waters Of beautiful
Peace river. This article was com.
mented on favorably by a number Of
the papers published in the vicinity Of
this stream. the Wauchula Advocate
presenting a splendid editorial then,
aud has since had several articles ask.
ing that our people take immediate ac
tion looking towards the prevention Of
further pollution Of these waters. Tie
Punta Gorda Herald and Zolfo Truth
II we remember correctly. both rec
commended that the people become
alert in this matter. In addition 20
these activities a number II citizens
wrote strong letters for publication
and the Arcadia Commercial club
passed resolutions and appointed a
committee 20 confer with the phoS-
phate mining companies to see il a
Discrimination II these impurities be.
ing poured into the waters could not
be- effected without the necessity II re.
sorting 20 more drastic means.
We are not familiar with the laws
Of the state in regard 10 the pollution
Of its running streams but have an
idea that they are adequate for their
protection. II enforced. II the laws are
not adequate for such protection, now
is the time to look into the matter in
order that We may obtain the proper
protection through the legislature
which meets next spring.
Peace river j. 10y nature one Of the
most beautiful Ia be found in or out
Of the state. Il trayer,cs not only the
southern part Of nolk county. butt
nearly through DpSuto county north|
ana south a distance approximately |
sixty miles. II can .dsly he made |
from Charlotte Harlor to|
Wauchula, aud would thus become I'm. |
valuable as a means Of transportation !
for the cities of Arcadia. lotto. Wau- !
chula ana others. 70 sqy L"thing Of its /
scenic beauty a, an attraction To tou-
ri>ts and pleasure seekers. without |
further pollution It would soon become
again, for it was such until the pnos.
phate mines began their dirty work, |
TIC best fishing resort in all Florida
What are we going To do in regard |
to this important question: Are we
going to look idly on while the con-.
fort ana happiness Of several thous-
ln1s Of our citizens are being affected: /
Do we owe it to the mining companies
that in order to save them a few dol
lars Of their profits towards diverting
this refuse matter we shall be willing
10 suffer these indlgnities: But. says
some one, the mining companies do
not desire to pollutc the streams. No
neither does that man who owns the
sow with ten pigs want them to root /
up my beautiful lawn. but you see the
avn. don't you?
Will not some good lawyer in Area.
liza. phllanthropically inclined, lool;
lie law mp in regard TO this question
With all the court rulings, and see II
my individual or corporation has a
cgal right 20 pollute our running wa
crs. and if not, what steps may be
uckn To make these violators Of TIE
aw deslst? If it be found that the law
= not adequate. then lets demand a.
1nce the passage Of a law that viii
protect our interests. There should not
,e, there must not be, any'lct up until
hcSe just rights are obtained. The
question Is too serious to be longer
riflcd with.