Evening star., 1927-04-25
The Flood Problems.

With the cessation of the heavy
rains in the Mississippi Valley and the
subsistence of the floods in the middle
regions of the watershed, there dawns
prospect of the early passing of the
crest on its way to the Gulf and the
falling OF the waters. At the latest
accounts the flood conditions were
worst in Mississippi and Arkansas.
There still remains rescue work to be
done in those States, to reach the peo-
pie marooned on levees, in trees and
on high spots not yet completely sub
merged. That work is proceeding, and
hour by hour the number of men.
women and children carried to safety
increases. That, however, is not all
that remains of the problem. For at
least 100, 900 refugees have been driven
from their homes and rendered desti-
tute, and they must be fed, clothed
and sheltered. At the latest estimates
fully 100000 acres, or 9,400 square
miles of territory, are under water.
About 200 people have perished.
In sending Secretary Hoover to the
food district to coordinate the relief
work President Coolidge has moved
in practical manner to relieve the sit
uation. Mr.. Hoover's experience in
Belgium during the war in organizing
and administering the relief works
there qualities him for dealing with
such an emergency as this which now
presents itself. The task is one of
distribution. Supplies will be avail
able in sufficient quantities, but they
must be used to the best advantage.
Transportation must be provided.
The exact needs of all the colonies of
refugees must be determined and met
quickly.
The Presidents appeal to the coun-
try for funds for the American Red
Cross to meet this national emergency
was promptly needed. Within few
hours more than s5O0,O00 came to
hand More will be given undoubtedly
as long as the need prevails.
The flood problem has three. as
poets. First, the people must be res
cued from their peril, then they must
be maintained while the waters are
ebbing, and finally they must be re-
stored to their former homes and
there provided with necessities and
the means of establishing them
selves. 1t is this last need that will
call for the heaviest outlay.
Accompanying Mr.. Hoover to the
flood district was Maj. Gen. Jadwin,
chief of engineers of the Army. While
his immediate task is to aid in rem
,dering relief to the sufferers, he will
doubtless survey the situation with
reference to the possible strengthen
ing of the defenses against future
floods. There is always the danger
of inundation in that region. Year by
year for decades the barriers and
breastworks have been reared, only
to be swept down by occasional tor
rents. Immense sums Of money have
been spent in these engineering
works, and other great sums must be
spent now to repair the breaks caused
by this latest freshet. Whether the
banks of the Mississippi and its tribu-
taries can ever be made secure
against the highest possible floods is
a problem. Doubtless Gen. Jadwin
will report. on this point upon his re-
turn. At the next session Of Congress
this matter Of the protection of the
lower Mississippi must be again con-
sidered. The losses already suffered
are so heavy that the appropriation
of Federal funds on a large scale is
probably to be regarded as a sound
investment in insurance.