Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 June 1905 — THE IROQUOIS DITCH, [ARTICLE]

THE IROQUOIS DITCH,

To subserve an useful purpose, not only needs to'lje cut according to plans so as to make a water primiter, but the law, report and order requires at least ten feet of berm on each side clear from deposit. In the rock where the cut is six feet deep the distance between the deposit banks will be 62 feet, so that the right of way of near 80 feet granted by the Draining Association, will be on each bank but 9 feet of space on which to deposit the material The contractor, as the material is lifted, may deposit the same at any place not less than ten feet from the edge of the ditch. If a system of roads and streets were prepared for the deposit it would be better for those who desire a good ditch, as well as those who desire good roads. Now is a good time to vote for Btone roads in Marion and Newton townships, and macadam streets in the city of Rensselaer. We quote from the viewers’ report, filed April 26, 1904, as follows: “The material excavated in constructing said main ditch and branches shall be so deposited

that a berm of ten feet shall be left between the waste bank and the outer edge of the ditch.” The banks are to have a slope of fortyfive degrees. The Jasper County Drainage Association freely grants the material to the construction on all their land as a place of deposit. The ownersof abutting land should grant the contractor the material if the same be removed within one year, and this would help sell all the rock used. The Board on June 17, 1904, entered this order and judgment: “The right of way for the improvement petitioned tor as well as each branch hereby established, has been compensated by restored land, improved direction, or by reported damages.” And also the Board decrees that for the protection of the main improvement and each branch hereby established, that all laterals, spurs or branches shall enter at the confluence extending down stream at an acute angle not more than thirty degrees, and all open branohes shall be constructed, the depth and grade corresponding to the outlet drain for at least a distance of 80 rods. The circuit court has affirmed all these directions, and it is important that steps be taken to make the mouth pieces for all needed open arms in connection with the main ditch, so that a protected water-way of the proper depth and grade, to correspond with said order be made as the work may proceed. To secure a good ditch without friction is not an easy problem, Wbat will be done with the rock? The loose rock will fill a large space. Every one should help to land it where it will do the most good. «,** An armload of old papers for a nickel at The De moor at office.