Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 September 1878 — KANKAKEE RIVER IMPROVEMENT. [ARTICLE]

KANKAKEE RIVER IMPROVEMENT.

For nearly twenty years the matter of the improvement of the Kankakee river has been agitated by the people living along its course and In cities, towns and villages through or by which it runs. Many years ago it was thought that the Alden company wo’d speedily put the work through, but it failed to get the aid required and the franchise passed into other hands.— The Kankakee company made a good commencement, and lavished large amounts of money in building dams, (See., at Wilmington, which are very valuable to that place and which added largely to its wealth and population._ But upon the assumption that its financial affairs were honestly managed, the impression soon obtained that this was centering all its capital in the improvement of Wilmington by inhancing the value of its lots and coal lands. But we do not intend to give an account of the operations of this company, wtir aim being merely to. say that it is likely that the National Government may be induced to remember us in the distribution of means so liberally donated for the improvement of harbors and rivers, in the south and west; if weever have a Representative in Congress who has the ciiuruge to demand a share of the money dispnnsed for this purpose. It appears that through the efforts of congressmen from Indiana, an appropriation was made for tee purpose of making the ne essary examinations.of certain streams hitherto over looked by the ffeneral govejninent, and for that purpose Gen. Gleason, appointed by Maj. Smith, of the United States corps of engineers, has been visiting Wilmington and this city for the purpose of examining the Kankakee river, its width and death; its banks, and he practicability of utilizing this beautiful stream for the be: - efit of commerce. He came frem Wilmington to this city, having carefully followed the river, making soundings and taking notes as to the immense amount of the productions of the farm which now seek a market at heavy costoi transportation, thus Cutting down the profit to the producers, when, with the river properly improved, thousands aud millions of dollars may bo saved to the toilers, producers. and business men generally, along aud adjacent to the river, At this city, Gen. Gleason was warmly welcomed, and in a short time the leading business men of the place gave the gentlemanly emissaiya cordial gaeeting. He gave in detail the object of his visit—the movement in Indiana, and everything connected with his trip. He is satisfied that with a thorough and truthful report of the adaptability and practicability of the contemplated improvement of this great water course, there will be no difficulty in enlisting friends in Congress.

On Saturday morning, Gen. GleasI on, together with some twenty interi ested business men, by invitation of Mr. George Hiding, who chartered Mr. Beaumont’s steamer for the purpose, made a tiip up the river to Wai dron, taking in the Iroquois river, which is also susceptible of improvement at least up to Watseka. The broad, clear water, with its high rocky banks, the thrifty farms and pleasant arm houses, and a depth of water J sufficient to carry a large steamer, all . attracted the attention of Gen. Gleas- ' on, who was not only delighted with its beauty, but seemed to be astenishj cd why our demands had been so long i neglected by the government. Na- . ture had provided us with with one ■ of the most beautiful streams in the ' great Northwest, and for want of a ' share of the munificent ex»enditures i of the Nation in providing communication by water, aud in making an 1 keeping harbors in repair, the people iu Indiana and Illinois had been com-

pelled to psy extraordinary tribute on freights for merchandise defend* ent upon railway enterprises. Geu. Gleason is so highly elated with the result of his mission, that he s>uit for Maj. Smith to accompany him from this city to Momence, where arrangements are mada to take them up the river some forty miles by steam boat. The question as to whether Congress will take cognizance of this matter while it is in the possession of a private corporation, is of easy solution. That matter docs not stand in the way, and needs no discussion at our hands. We have a strong faith in this move, and now believe that an appropria lion might have been had for it at the last session of Congress. We believe it will be had at the next.—Kankakee Times.