The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-08-23
FORMER MEMPH|AN
PRAISES PLAN FOR
NEW BOAT LINES
Waiter Parker Writes Lauda-
tory Letter to Local Cham
Der of Commerce From
New Orleans About Matter.

The campaign of the Memphis Cham
her of Commerce river transportation
committee IN the organization of new
steamboat lines has attracted attention
throughout the Mississippi valley. 4
few days ago the St Louis newspapers
commended the enterprise and Monday
a letter was received from Walter Par
ker, general manager Of the New Or
leans Association of Commerce. laud-
ing the city and stressing the impor-
lance of new line.
Mr. Parker formerly was a Memphian
and his knowledge of local conditions as
we'll as of river conditions in general
lends exceptional weight to his opinions.
In writing the Chamber OF Commerce,
MIR Parker says:
II feel so deeply the importance of
success In Memphis intention to inau-
gurate a Mississippi river transporta-
ton service that | know you will for
give me for volunteering some observa-
tions on the situation.
Years ago the boat lines failed pri-
marily because there were no terminal
facilities, and the type OF boat used
and the service rendered were uneco-
nomic in the extreme. Other factors
contributed TO the distress OF the boat
lines, but the underlying cause of their
inability to compete with the railroads
was their lack Of economy as contracted
with the economy of the railroads.
Higher railroads rates, together with
the loss OF water depressed rail rates
by river towns enjoying only potential
navigation, are factors OF great mo-
mcnt In promoting the restoration OF
water borne commerce,
Forced to Turn.
In addition, the need for greater
economy In transportation and the use
OF channels Of trade OF low natural re-
sistance, together with the fact that
the worlds new markets of great prom
Use lie In Latin America and the Orient.
not in Western Europe as formerly, lit
orally force the trade centers Of the
Mississippi valley to again turn TO the
waterways
In doing so, however. temporary fail
ure will surely follow any attempt to
restore navigation through the employ
n1ent OF old methods and old thine craft.
Modern, efficient and fully co-ordi-
mated terminal and warehouse tacili-
ties are required at every point served.
Large capacity craft, economically
designed and operated. and served by
time and money saving devices are es-
sential.
THE use OF railroad and motor trucks
on we'll paved streets and highways as
feeders and distributors is necessary.
'The gradual relocation Of factories
and warehouses on riverside sites must
be a part Of the program.
The function OF through service
ton of n local packet service
Drift Of commerce back to the wa
terways should be encouraged and fos-
tered by every water served trade CEN
ter. |
I'm import and export commerce the |
closest practical COORDINATION between |
river craft and seagoing craft should |
be promoted.
.fWhere the two boat system is used |
towboats should drop and pick pp load
ed barges and never be required to |
await loading and unloading opera
lions,
with proper attention to every phase |
of water transportation economy, a |
definite and permanent differential in |
favor of ter-borne commerce under |
rail- borne commerce can and win be
developed by all the river served trade |
centers, which will restore to them their |
natural advantages 81 location.
Meanwhile the ultimate success OF |
the entire system of water transporta-
tion in the Mississippi valley WIN de- |
pend upon the extent Of concerted val
leywide endeavor to induce congress to
make the appropriations required for
the prompt completion of the lock and
dam system In the Ohio, the channel
Improvement projects of the Missouri
and upper Mississippi, the coastal canal
along the gulf coast whose object is 10 |
place all the gulf ports on the Missis-
sippi river transportation system. The |
completion Of the great lakes Missis-
sippi river canal Chicago drainage ca
nab project should be completed as |
promptly as possible.
"Then interchange insofar rs main /
waterway arteries are concerned will |
be possible. aud the system can be de-
in large and economic way.
"A St Louis, Memphis. New Orleans
service Is only primary step. and FOR |
its full development upon feeders both
rail and water"