Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-05-09
INFLUENCE OF
GARNER SAVED
PORT PROJECT
Argument Before u. S.
Board of Engineers
Prevented Delay of
Recommendations

That the Lower Rio Grande Valley
is largely indebted to Congressman
John N. Garner for the favorable re-
port Of the board Of U. s. army en-
gineers on the Point Isabel project
was divulged in a letter received by
John Shary Of Mission from Con-
gresham John McDuffie Of Alabama,
members of the house rivers and har-
Dor committee.
Congressman McDuffie was in the
Valley for the annual convention Of
the Intracoastal Canal association in
November and became an ardent ex-
ponent Of the Valleys harbor and
waterways projects.
According to Congressman Nc
Duffie the board proposed to submit
the project back to the district en-
gineer for additional study and fur
Their information, but at this juno
ture Congressman Garner appeared
before the board, impressed upon it
the necessity for immediate construc-
ton Of the Point Isabel project and
secured the favorable recommended
tions which were presented to the
rivers and harbors committee Of the
house.
In his letter to Mr.. Shary, dated
May 4. Congressman McDuffie sets
forth the services of Congressman
Garner as follows:
knowing of your interest in the
Valley project at Point Isabel | am
glad TO advise the board has taken
such favorable action a. makes II
possible TO include the project in the
next bill from our committee, which
we hope to report and pass through
the house before adjournment of this
session.
1T might be Of interest 10 those Of
YOU who came to Washington 10
know something Of a very difficult
situation that confronted your prof.
ect and which was met and saved by
the effective service of Congress
man Garner.
"On Yesterday the board Of review
for rivers and harbors requested Mr..
Garner TO come before them to give
additional information which they
said was necessary. Leaving the re-
sp~onsibilities of his rest of leader
ship in the house, Mr. Garner ap-
peared before the board in executive
session. On arrival the board ad-
vised Mr.. Garner they could not make
a favorable report on the project
Immediately and suggested returning
il to the district engineer for addi-
tional study and further information.
This would have delayed the project
at least three years before COM
meneing work BY the government, IL
not indefinitely postponed further
consideration, and probably a refusal
Of the government finally 70 ex-
pend any more money at Point
Isabel.
"while the report may not be all
we hoped for, it definitely commits
the government to your plans for
improvement, and I feel sure such
additional funds and depths as need
ed will be supplied in the future as
your section develops and commerce
of the Valley increases. Mr.. Garner
spent more than an hour in confer
ence with the board and chief Of en-
gineers. Within fifteen minutes aft
err coming back 70 the floor OF y
house he was advised the board
would not make an adverse report on
the project.
"During my service in congress, !
have never heard a ase presented
with such logic and effective argu-
ment as your case was presented 10
the board by Congressman Garner.
To him must 20 the credit Of saving
your situation at the Washington end
Of the line. l felt that you and 9TH
ers would be glad TO lAow Of Mr..
Gamers successful efforts. His abil-
ity to cope with difficulties and sue
e~essfully handle such q situation
that means so much to the people Of
the Rio Grande Valley demonstrates
his invaluable service to the people
Of that section. This am effective
way Of doing things charaeterizes the
services Of Mr.. Garner as a party and
national leader.
"His long service ard experience
has given him a powerful influence
influence in official Washington. Il
II a pleasure to serve with him at
all times, and especially to cooper
ate in behalf Of your harbor."