Ships
[STEAMER "CHEROKEE"]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 5, 1879.
The owners of the steamer Cherokee have been experimenting with their boat during the past week, preparatory to starting for Little Rock. Having to adapt a saw mill engine, with quick motion, to a steamboat, which requires a slow motion; and as a number of engineers had expressed a doubt about the changes made working successfully, they have very wisely thought best to give the machienry a thorough trial before starting on their trip. They went down the Arkansas to the mouth of the Walnut and came up the Walnut to Harmon's ford, with their boat loaded with wheat. The boat moved up to the "cut-off" with as good speed as the Aunt Sally did empty, and the current to the "cut-off" is as strong as that of the Arkansas. She made four and part of the time at least five miles an hour, up stream. When the owners have the opportunity of getting a good steamboat engine on their boat, it will be one of the best investments in this part of the country, not only for its owners, but for the country at large, as it will be able to make regular trips through the season. The Aunt Sally demonstrated the fact that during a spring rise a boat can run from here to Little Rock without trouble, which was a good point gained. A doubt still exists, however, as to whether the river can be navigated at ordinary stages of water. If the Cherokee can make three or four trips during ordinary stages of water this summer, it will do more to convince steamboat men that the river is as good above Ft. Smith as below, and it will have a good influence on Congress, helping to create an interest in favor of making an appropriation for the improvement of the river.
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[AD: HOUGHTON & MANTOR.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 5, 1879.
Steamboat load of boots have just arrived at Houghton & Mantor's which they are selling at Bed Rock prices. Lower than have ever been sold in Southern Kansas. Call and see them.
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Arkansas City Traveler, February 19, 1879.
We notice the return to this place of Mr. Augustus Ennis, who formerly resided here.
The last heard of the steamer Cherokee, she was on her winding way through the Territory.
[GENERALITIES.]
TRAVELER, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1879 - FRONT PAGE.
ON THE WAY.
The little steamer Nonesuch, built at Dardanelle, has passed Van Buren on her way up the Arkansas river to Arkansas City, Kansas, 275 miles above Fort Gibson.
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[RIVER NEWS: FROM LITTLE ROCK.]
TRAVELER, APRIL 2, 1879.
River News.
The river is rising slowly, with 5 2 10 feet by the gauge.
The neat little steamer, "Rose City," arrived last evening with a fine trip. She is receiving, and will leave this evening at 5 p.m. Shippers and planters can bear it in mind. She was built for the trade, and stands No. 1. Capt. Conrad has charge, and the old veteran, James Boland [?], is pilot.
The steamer, "Aunt Sally," arrived, and will leave today for Perryville.
The steamer, "John D. Scully," arrived last evening with a fine trip from New Orleans. She belongs to the Kountz line, and leaves this day for New Orleans, Capt. Poe in command.
Little Rock Democrat.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, APRIL 2, 1879.
The steamer, "None Such," left Little Rock on the 24th, for this place.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, APRIL 16, 1879.]
A letter from Mr. H. H. Corey, of Spadra, Johnson County, Arkansas, says, "I want to know if one, or two thousand bushels of wheat could be bought readily at your place, also what is the depth of water at medium and low stage. Could a neat little steamboat crawling ten inches when loaded with fifty tons do anything on the river there? We are building a boat for the upper river if there is any business for her." So they come, and one or two successful trips will put us a line of light draught boats on the river all the time.
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[EDITORIAL PAGE: THE UPPER ARKANSAS.]
TRAVELER, APRIL 23, 1879.
THE UPPER ARKANSAS.
We publish this week J. D. McKown's report of the upper Arkansas river to Maj. Charles R. Suter, Corps of Engineers,
U. S. A. Also the endorsement of the latter officer and recommendation of the work to Brig. Gen. A. A. Humphreys, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. The same was forwarded to Hon. M. R.
Leonard, by our Congressional delegation, and left with the TRAVELER for publication. Senator Plumb writes a very interesting letter on this subject, and will spare no pains in securing the necessary appropriations for this purpose.
REPORT OF MRR. J. D. McKOWN, ASSISTANT ENGINEER,
U. S. ENGINEER OFFICE,
St. Louis, Mo., January 27, 1879.
Major: I herewith respectfully submit the following report of the examination of the Arkansas River from the mouth of the Little Arkansas River to Fort Smith.
In accordance with orders received from this office, I proceeded to Wichita, Kansas, and commenced the examination of the river at the mouth of the Little Arkansas.
The latter stream empties into the main river a short distance above Wichita, part of the water is diverted from the natural channel to supply a mill, but again comes into the main river some two and a half miles below the city. The Arkansas River is very tortuous in its course, that portion from Wichita to Arkansas City passing through a prairie country, and has very little timber on the banks, a thin growth of cottonwood and willow prevailing.
The bed of the stream is very wide for the amount of water running, and is of a light sandy nature, quicksand prevailing in a large degree. In many places where the current is strong, there is a thin layer of gravel over the sand, which once broken through, shows the soft sand underneath.
As we go down the river rock becomes somewhat frequent, rock ridges often crossing the stream, sometimes almost amounting to rapids, and leaving but little room for passage of boats at low water.
I had the advantage of seeing the river at a very low stage of water and in its worst condition. At no time during the examination was there a rise of more than six inches, and that lasted but a few days.
Miles.
From Wichita to Arkansas City 65
From Arkansas City to the State line 14
From State line to Grand River 236
From Grand River to Ft. Smith 94
TOTAL: 409
The small amount of money available rendered rapid work necessary, and hurried reconnaissance was all that could be made. On such information as I could obtain, I respectfully submit the following approximate estimate of the cost of improving the river for steamboat navigation at low-water.
The Little Arkansas River empties into the Arkansas about three quarters of a mile above the bridge at Wichita. The bed of the main stream is from 600 to 800 feet wide from there to the bridge. The slope of the river from the mouth of the Little Arkansas to a point 1 mile below is 8.03 feet; high water mark at Wichita from the best information obtainable is 7.45 feet above low water, but as the landing would probably be below it, it need not be taken into consideration.
From Wichita to El Paso, a distance of some 15 miles, the slope of the river is about 3 feet per mile, or 45 feet for the whole distance. The bed of the river is generally wide, and to within 2 miles of El Paso needs a continued series of dikes and dams to contract it to a proper width, which would be about 150 feet. This would take a dike of 600 feet every half mile for 13 miles, or 7,800 feet in all. About 2 miles above El Paso the river narrows down to about the required width, with not less than 3 feet of water in the channel. This extends for nearly 2 miles.
About one-half mile above El Paso there is a rocky reef extending across the river, running out from the left, where there is a rocky bank. The expense would be but slight to place it in good boating order: $2,500 would be sufficient.
From El Paso to Oxford the distance is 25 miles. The difference of level between the two places is about 69 feet, giving a slope of 2.75 feet per mile. This piece of river is a continual series of comparatively short bends, and the water being forced on the convex side of them, forms a good channel in most places. It will require about 78,000 feet of dam for this distance, or 312 feet per mile.
About one and one-fourth miles above Oxford there is a brush and rock dam which is built for the purpose of throwing in a race or ditch, where it is used for mill power. The dam is a slight, irregular built affair, angling down stream.
The difference of the level of the water above and below it at the left bank is 1.37 feet. The right bank here is about 40 feet high and of talcose slate.
At Oxford there is a pontoon bridge. A roadway built to it is made of rock, brush, and prairie hay, the latter predominating, and seems to make an excellent dike, closing the river in to about 150 feet, and making a good channel along the bluff for about a half mile.
Some 4 miles above Oxford the Ne-Ne Scah Creek empties into the river, adding something to the volume of water.
Brush for mattresses is quite scarce on the river from Wichita to this place; but there is but little doubt that the tall, rank prairie grass, which is indigenous to this region, and grows in great abundance, could be used to advantage in the work by mixing it in with the brush, and in all probability would be
economical.
About three-fourths of a mile below Oxford the river widens out and is full of bars. At five miles from Oxford, the banks on the right are high and contain considerable loose slate. The river bottom is of rock, but there is a fair depth of water: from 2-1/2 to 6 feet. About fourteen miles above Arkansas City, the banks on the left are about 30 feet high, of sand and clay, underlaid with loose rock.
The slope of the river from Oxford to Arkansas City, a distance of 25 miles, is 65 feet, or 2.6 feet per mile. There will be necessary for this piece of river about 16,500 feet of dike and dam: 660 feet per mile. The approximate amount of water in the river at Arkansas City is 575 cubic feet per second. At this place there is a wagon-bridge about 600 in length, with the lower chord 20 feet above low-water. A draw would be necessary to allow the passage of boats. In the present state it is an obstruction to navigation.
From Arkansas City to Kaw Agency, the distance is 44 miles. The fall of the river between these points is 110 feet, or 2.5 feet per mile.
It will take about 16,500 feet of work to improve this part of the river, or 375 feet per mile.
The river banks are becoming better timbered, and the river improving. Walnut river empties about six miles below Arkansas City and adds a fair amount to the volume of water in the river.
Below the Walnut the river changes somewhat in character. The banks and bluffs are higher and more rocky, the bed of the river more narrow, and timber more plentiful. Oak, hickory, pecan, walnut, blackberry, and many other varieties are common. Cottonwood, of course, is always to be found on the banks and low grounds. Below and near the State line, and a few miles farther down, about the mouth of Chaloca Creek, a quantity of loose rock, apparently piled up during freshets, shows itself in the river. Some of this rock should be removed and a dam thrown in to concentrate the water. About $3,000 would do it.
On this piece of river, from Kaw Agency to Salt Creek, the distance is 62 miles. The slope of the river is 136 feet, or about 2.3 feet per mile. It will take about 28,000 feet of dam to improve it, or 451 feet per mile. On this part of the river snags are becoming more plentiful. Between Kaw Agency and Salt Creek the Salt Fork empties; it throws in considerable water.
From Salt Creek to Black Bear Creek, a distance of 15 miles, the river is wide and bad, and will take about 14,000 feet of dam to improve it, or 933 feet per mile. The slope is about 2.2 feet per mile, or 33 feet for the distance of 15 miles. Black Bear Creek comes in on the right, and adds something to the amount of water in the river, even when very low.
From Black Bear Creek to Cimarron River, the distance is 62 miles. The bed of the river is very wide and sandy, sometimes getting as wide as 2,000 feet. It will take some 20,500 feet of dam to improve this part of the river, or 500 feet per mile. The slope of the river is about 1.8 feet per mile, or 112 feet for the distance of 62 miles.
The Cimarron or Red Fork of the Arkansas comes in on the right, and contributes a considerable amount of water to the main river. Its deep red tinge is in strong contrast with the muddy water of the Arkansas, and the waters running side by side some distance before mingling have a marked and unique appearance.
From the Cimarron to the mouth of Grand River the distance is 87 miles. The slope of the river in this distance is about 152 feet, or 1.75 per mile. It will take about 38,000 feet of dam to improve this portion of the river, or 437 feet per mile.
About 3 miles above the mouth of Grand River is the bridge of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. The length is 800 feet; there are four spans of 200 feet each, and the lower chord is 34 above low-water. The bridge is a strong and handsome structure, built of wood and iron. It has no draw, and may be considered an obstruction.
About one-fourth of a mile above, the mouth of the Verdigris empties and makes quite an addition to the volume of water. The Grand River discharges still more than the Verdigris, and together they make a very perceptible difference in the main stream.
Below the mouth of the Grand, the river changes very much in its character. The bed of the river is not so wide, the channel much better, and the bars and banks contain more gravel.
From the mouth of Grand River to Greenleaf's Creek, about 28 miles, generally good; 5,000 feet of dam will suffice for this distance, but it is almost impassable in places on account of snags, which in some locations almost fill the water-way.
At Greenleaf's Creek the river was closed with ice, and the examination had to be abandoned. But as Mr. Albert had made a survey of that part of the river in 1869, his report will give information concerning it. The distance from Grand River to Fort Smith is 94 miles, and I should think that $150,000 would be sufficient as most all of the work would be in shallow water.
SUMMARY.
Locality. Distance, miles.
Wichita to El Paso ............................ 15
El Paso to Oxford ............................. 25
Oxford to Arkansas City ....................... 25
Arkansas City to Kaw Agency ................... 44
Kaw Agency to Salt Creek ...................... 62.5
Salt Creek to Black Bear Creek ................ 15
Black Bear Creek to Cimarron River ............ 41.5
Cimarron River to Grand River ................. 87
Grand River to Fort Smith ..................... 94
Total: 409
Locality. Linear feet of dam.
Wichita to El Paso ............................ 7,200
El Paso to Oxford ............................. 7,800
Oxford to Arkansas City ....................... 17,000
Arkansas City to Kaw Agency ................... 16,500
Kaw Agency to Salt Creek ...................... 28,000
Salt Creek to Black Bear Creek ................ 14,000
Black Bear Creek to Cimarron River ............ 20,500
Cimarron River to Grand River ................. 38,000
Grand River to Fort Smith
Total: 149,000
Locality. Cost of rock excavation.
El Paso to Oxford ............................. $3,000
Arkansas City to Kaw Agency ................... 3,000
$6,000
Locality. Total Cost.
Wichita to El Paso ............................ $ 32,400
El Paso to Oxford ............................. 38,600
Oxford to Arkansas City ....................... 76,500
Arkansas City to Kaw Agency ................... 77,250
Kaw Agency to Salt Creek ...................... 126,000
Salt Creek to Black Bear Creek ................ 63,000
Black Bear Creek to Cimarron River ............ 92,250
Cimarron River to Grand River ................. 174,000
Grand River to Fort Smith ..................... 150,000
Total: $826,500
Add for contingencies and Engineer expenses: 73,500
Total: $900,000
The Arkansas River passes through the Indian Territory, from the southern boundary line of the State of Kansas, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, a distance of about 330 miles by river. Little trade could be expected from the Territory except in the Cherokee Nation, between Fort Smith and the Grand River, where perhaps some business might be done.
That portion of the country tributary to the river in Kansas, from Wichita to the State line, is rich, fertile, and well cultivated, and would derive great benefit from the opening of the river to navigation.
Very Respectfully,
J. D. McKOWN, Assistant Engineer.
Maj. CHAS. R. SUTER,
Corps of Engineers, U. S. A.
In accordance with your instructions of July 8th, 1878, I have caused a reconnaissance to be made by Mr. J. D. McKown, assistant engineer, of the Arkansas River from the mouth of Little Arkansas to Fort Smith, and a copy of his report thereon is herewith submitted.
Except in the upper portion before mentioned, the navigable low-water depth is about the same as that of the Arkansas River between Little Rock and Fort Smith, and it would of course be useless to attempt to get a greater depth until the balance of the stream was correspondingly improved.
The estimates presented by Assistant McKown are for removing snags and rocks and so contracting the width of the stream as to give at low-water a depth of about 2 feet, but this estimate is only a rough approximation at the best, and no work on this scale should be undertaken, even if deemed advisable, until a thorough survey of the stream has been made, the cost of which is estimated at $16,360.
I am, however, of the opinion that by removing the snags and constructing slight dams at some of the worst shoals the navigation would be so much improved as to render it as good as that between Little Rock and Fort Smith, and this would seem to be all that is worth doing until the general improvement of the river is undertaken. The cost of this work would be about $100,000, which could be expended in one season.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. R. SUTTER, Maj. of Engineers.
Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Engineers, U. S. A.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, APRIL 23, 1879.]
PAWNEE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, April 14th, 1879.
Ed. TRAVELER:
The Steamer Dardanelle landed at this place today on her first trip up the Arkansas. She is a small boat, built especially for the upper Arkansas trade: draws eight inches of water empty. The steamer belongs to Cotton Bros. & Co., Dardanelle, Arkansas, who are engaged in running a large flouring mill at that place. One of the firm is Captain on the boat, and means to load her down with wheat to supply his mill.
Yours truly,
T. E. BERRY.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, APRIL 30, 1879.
The Arkansas river got its back up last week and is now on a gush. Look for boats up any day.
[EDITORIAL PAGE: ARTICLE RE STEAMER JOHN G. FLETCHER.]
TRAVELER, WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 1879.
The river is on a stand with 9 feet and 7 ft., 10 inches, by the United States gauge, but from reports above there have been very heavy rains, so we can look for a big river, and planters can take it in time.
The steamer "John G. Fletcher" left the levee this morning and went up to the Cairo and Fulton railroad landing for 50,000 feet of lumber for Arkansas City, Kansas. She also will take other freight and passengers. It will be a pleasant trip. So passengers going to Colorado or Leadville will find it to their advantage to consult Capt. Hennegin. He also takes freight for Dardanelle, Webb City, Fort Smith, and Fort Gibson, leaving on Thursday at 5 p.m. It will take two weeks to make the round trip, the distance being 850 miles from Little Rock. Capt. Hennegin will have the pleasure of taking the first boat through of her size, for which he deserves great credit.
Democrat.
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[THE STEAMER "CHEROKEE."]
TRAVELER, MAY 28, 1879.
From the Headquarters of the Arkansas.
The little steamer Cherokee made its appearance at our wharf on Monday last from Arkansas City, Kansas, 444 miles above this place by U. S. measurement, Captain McClasky in command with a crew of eleven men. The Cherokee brought 800 bushels of fine wheat and reports the river low, yet navigable for small boats. She met the John G. Fletcher above Webber's falls, discharging her lumber and preparing to return. Had the Fletcher started a week sooner, she would have reached Arkansas City without trouble and sold her lumber at a fair profit and could have brought 20,000 bushels of wheat down on the June rise. Good wheat is worth from 50 to 60 cents at Arkansas City, and here about $1.00. The wheat brought here is of a superior quality. Arkansas City is in Cowley county, Kansas, and has about 800 inhabitants. Winfield, the county seat, has about 2,000; population of the county is about 18,000. There are four papers in the county, three Republican and one Democratic, the reverse of this county, which has three Democratic papers to one Republican. This in a great measure is an index of the kind of people there, and accounts for the rapid development of that region, which was a wild country but half a dozen years ago.
Ft. Smith New Era.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, MAY 28, 1879.
The steamer, Cherokee, was at Ft. Smith on the 19th. She will there discharge her cargo and return up the river immediately.
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[REPORT FROM AMOS WALTON RE THE "CHEROKEE" STEAMSHIP.]
TRAVELER, JUNE 11, 1879 - EDITORIAL PAGE.
FROM THE CHEROKEE.
FORT SMITH, May 29th.
EDITOR TRAVELER:
Supposing a desire on the part of the friends of the Cherokee to hear something in regard to the trip and our experience on the river, I propose to write in brief, until I can give them a more thorough knowledge of the facts developed by our experience.
We left Salt Fork, or Ponca Agency, at which place I joined the crew, on the 26th of April, at half past one o'clock, and landed in the mouth of Poteau at half past five o'clock on the morning of the 19th of May: our actual time, about 21-1/2 days. We laid up whole days, without moving, according to my diary, 8, and detained two days, one upon snags, where we had a good channel but accidentally struck our bow upon one and drifted upon more; and one whole day at the mouth of Verdigris, by missing channel--making 10 days without running. I estimate, also, three days lost for lack of appliances and some experience in the river, and think now, that if we had the same trip to make again, we could make it in about eight days. Although the river was low, our soundings generally run over two feet. Some of the worst river was for about 15 miles below Bear creek, where it spread out very wide, with numerous channels. I think our worst bar was at the mouth of Cimarron, where the water spread evenly over the whole river--a smooth, solid bar, but sounding two feet. Taken altogether, we are satisfied that the river can be utilized as a means of transportation to our city and our producing community.
As you advance down the river, the timber grows better and extends farther away from the river--the Cedar begins to make its appearance on the bluffs, and we begin to see something that looks like coal formation, cropping out from the banks.
About 12 miles above Chiller's [? Childer's ?] ferry, on Old House [?] creek; 3 [? hard to read figure...could be 31 or some other figure ?] miles from the river, is a four foot vein of splendid coal. This is on the left bank of the river. Further down, on the right, and just above Childer's ferry, is a vein of the same depth, which has been worked. Either can be worked without any difficulty.
Below this, again, on the farm of Napolean Moore, we dug, from the bank by the boat, some very fine coal, which we used in the forge and furnace. These first outcroppings our smith called good coal. We have specimens and intend to take a ton or two back with us.
As we go on down, we find the river growing better in the length of the runs without crossing--sometimes narrow and deep for six or eight miles, with high banks on either side, and sometimes breaking away ffrom the river in a gently ascending slope covered with grass and thinly scattered oaks. The scenery alone is worth the trouble and hardships incident to a trip down the river.
We have been kindly received and well treated by the people of Fort Smith, and part of them are fully alive to the importance of working up a river trade, while some seem to have grown rich here and feel that the country is far enough advanced for all their purposes. The town is a small one in population, considering the amount of territory covered. Many of the premises take in two acres of ground, and you can walk around among these country homes for hours, finding splendid old oaks for shade trees--cedars, flowers, and blue grass for adornment. When you first see the town, you see only the main street, and expect a town of about 1500 inhabitants, but after you have traveled for hours around in the suburbs you conclude they have what they claim, about 6,000. They have four newspapers--three Democratic and one Republican; seven churches; one fine furniture and chair factory, splendidly furnished with machinery, and anxious to work up a trade with us. They have a great many business houses and no specialties; they keep everything under the same roof that people want or call for. Their busy time is after cotton picking commences.
We sold the wheat to Dr. Wall, who has a very fine mill about one mile out of town with all the latest improvements and capable of grinding 300 bushels a day.
I have been treated very kindly by the gentlemen of the press here, who are, as they always are, everywhere, keenly alive to the importance of opening trade with our country, and they promise hearty cooperation with us in our attempts to improve and navigate the river.
There have been two courts in session here--State and United States--and I have had a chance to see that summary dispensation of justice we read of in the U. S. Courts. I have seen a jury take only three-quarters of an hour to condemn a man to death, that I, although hearing all the evidence, arguments of counsel, and charge of the Judge, would not have condemned at all--only a slight difference of opinion; one calls it justice, another says it is judicial murder.
To conclude, I have written this hasty letter to give you some idea, for the present, of what we have seen and done. I will say in regard to pine lumber, wagon stuff, furniture in the rough, coal or fuel of other kinds, we can make an exchange that would be of almost incalculable benefit to our country, and there is a market along the river for all our wheat, corn, and potatoes; and I am now satisfied that they can be successfully transported by the river.
I start up the river tomorrow.
Yours, A. W.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JUNE 18, 1879.]
Capt. Walton, of the steamer Cherokee, hove into this port of entry last Monday morning. He reports leaving the boat at Ft. Gibson on the 10th, and gives it as his opinion that she will reach here in a few days. The steamer has on board pine lumber, shingles, and wagon stuff.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, JUNE 25, 1879.
Agent Whiteman says the Indians report that the "Steamer Cherokee" has passed on her way up the river. We now look for her certain on the 4th.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JULY 28, 1880.]
Mr. Appleby left for Salt City with the steamer "Necedah" yesterday, but requests us to state that he will be at Harmon's ford on the Walnut next Sunday, ready to give another one of those delightful excursions. The Walnut at this place is a most beautiful stream, and there is nothing nicer than to be one of a good crowd gilding over its placid waters in the "Necedah."
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, OCTOBER 13, 1880.]
Capt. Curtis, in charge of a U. S. surveying party, passed through town last week. He is making another survey of the Arkansas river, in view of its improvement so as to be capable of navigation.
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[THE DREDGE BOATS: ARKANSAS RIVER CRAFTS.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 8, 1880.
THE DREDGE BOATS.
The Arkansas river crafts, to which the Beacon so sneeringly refers, are now about ready for business--will be finished tomorrow.
The main working boat, which is of the flatboat pattern, is 14 x 45, bottomed with two-inch plank, and heavily braced and floored. Upon it will be placed the derricks, ropes, tackle, anchors, and machinery for taking up snags, stumps, trees, and other obstructions from the river--the work to begin here at once.
The other boat is a small, covered one, intended for private use, storing tools, living in, and keeping such things safe and dry as it is not best or practicable to leave exposed. This "vessel" is only 7 x 23, and it is solidly, as well as neatly, built.
There can be no mistaking it, there is wisdom in the movement, whether it is a pet hobby of Hon. Thomas Ryan or any other person. The river should be kept clean, whether it can be made navigable or not. But we believe it can be made so; and most effectually, for light draught vessels.
When that is accomplished, look out for a rise in wheat and other products, the same as they have at Fort Smith, or approximating thereto. Wheat there is now quoted at one dollar; corn, 56 and 70, and other things in proportion. Let the clearing go on. Wichita Republican.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 5, 1881.]
Read the article on our fourth page concerning the navigation of the Arkansas river. [I PUT ARTICLE NEXT!]
ARKANSAS RIVER NAVIGATION.
In pursuance of a previous notice, a meeting of the citizens of Ft. Smith was held at the court room in Fort Smith on Saturday evening, December 18, 1880.
On motion Capt. A. H. Reynolds was called to the chair and C. M. Barnes appointed secretary. The chairman stated the object of the meeting, which was to cooperate with the citizens of Kansas in improving the navigation of the Arkansas river.
Mayor Brizzolari submitted the following preamble and resolutions, which were adopted.
WHEREAS, It is of vital importance to the development of our trade and commerce that the free and uninterrupted navigation of the Arkansas river should be secured to us by Congress, by proper legislation, from Wichita, Kansas, to the city of Little Rock, thereby affording us river navigation to the Mississippi, and with the view of securing this object--be it
Resolved, That this meeting shall be known and designated as the Arkansas River Navigation Association; and be it further
Resolved, That the chairman appoint an executive committee of five persons, which executive committee shall be known as the executive committee of the Arkansas River Navigation Association of Fort Smith.
It shall be the duty of said executive committee to draft suitable memorials to Congress to further and promote the free navigation of the Arkansas river by improvements in the channel.
The aforesaid committee shall act in concert and place themselves in communication with all associations, meetings, companies, and organizations having the same object in view. The said committee shall take steps to induce all other cities, towns, and counties lying on the Arkansas river to join us in our efforts.
They shall have power to appoint such committees to aid them in their labors, and said committee is fully empowered to take any needful steps to secure and further the objects and purpose of the Association.
The following gentlemen were appointed as such executive committee: Hon. I. C. Parker, Hon. Wm. M. Fishback, Hon. James Brizzolari, Hon. B. T. DuVal, Col. Thomas Marcum. On motion it was resolved that Capt. A. H. Reynolds should be added to the said committee.
It was further resolved that the Ft. Smith newspapers and other papers favorable be requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting, when, on motion, the meeting adjourned to meet again at the call of the executive committee.
A. H. REYNOLDS, Chairman.
C. M. BARNES, Secretary.
Fort Smith Elevator.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 5, 1881.]
L. C. Wood, now engaged with Capt. Curtis in removing the obstructions from the channel of the Arkansas river, with a view to making the same navigable, was in town last week.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 5, 1881.]
Capt. Curtis, in command of the party for opening up the Arkansas river, is constructing a boat on the Walnut (near Pat Endicott's place), the same being 18 feet beam by 70 long, to be used as a commissary by the command. The boat will be covered with canvas, and will add greatly to the comfort of those engaged in the undertaking.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 5, 1881.]
A meeting of the representative men of Kansas, Arkansas, and the Indian Territory will be held at Wichita today for the purpose of talking up and advocating measures looking to the opening of the Arkansas river for navigation. This is one of the most important questions for the above mentioned States now on the tapis, and a successful result would give them market facilities second to none in the United States.
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