Congressional Edition Volume 6806 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915 edition. Excerpt: ...careful consideration, that the locality was not worthy of improvement 1 y the United States. 3. It appears that the commerce at the mouth of the Brazos River has slightly increased since the former report was rendered, mainly due to the development of the sulphur industry in the vicinity. The interval has shown, however, in addition to a slight increase in commerce, a most serious difficulty in keeping open the mouth of the river even to the present project depth. The district officer, although giving a favorable report to this examination, shows in paragraph 9 of his report that constant dredging will be necessary, one dredge in the river being continuously employed and another one for probably half of its time between the jetties, and he also states: "If after a trial of this plan for one or two years it became evident that the commerce of the port was not keeping pace with the cost of maintaining the depth of water, dredging could be discontinued and the dredges transferred elsewhere." 4. It is doubtful if a channel of the depth desired can be secured and maintained by the Government at a cost which will not be excessive and beyond the amount which would be justified for such an improvement. In view, however, of the fact that the commerce of the locality has shown a tendency to increase, it is believed that any adverse report should be given only after consideration of the most complete data obtainable. For this purpose and to permit a more accurate estimate of the cost of improvement and mamtenance than is now possible, it is recommended that a survey be authorized and that in making the report upon this survey the district officer be directed to give such information as is available concerning the length of time in which...