1904.] HAUPT — THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER PROBLEM. 77 



that to determine the effect of outlets surveys had been made dur- 

 ing and after the large crevasses caused by that flood, from which it 

 was concluded that the relief which might have been anticipated 

 from the decrease of flow below the outlet was not realized, because 

 the water thus released returned to the river lower down and 

 obstructed the discharge at that point, making a water-dam. 



It should not be concluded from this fact, however, that outlets 

 are injurious, for it is not proposed to permit the excess of water 

 immediately to flow back to the lower reaches, but to impound it 

 for a considerable time in large reservoirs, thus changing entirely 

 the conditions and removing the objections to the ordinary opera- 

 tion through natural crevasses, which are wholly different from the 

 impounding reservoirs proposed by Mr. Seddon for the relief of the 

 floods. 



This Commission reiterates its statement ''that for purposes of 

 channel improvements merely, the limit of economy is reached 

 with the confinement of the ordinary flood. The result of this 

 qualification is that the building of levees to the height necessary 

 to protect the alluvial basin from overflow, is not necessary as a 

 part of the logical plan of river improvement." This policy was 

 doubtless reflected in the legislation which followed, making it 

 illegal to appropriate money for protection works unless they were 

 found to be beneficial to navigation. 



The Joint Resolution passed March 3. 1891, re Mississippi river 

 levees, reads as follows : 



^^ Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 

 United States of Afnerica in Congress assembled, That the sum of 

 one million dollars is hereby appropriated, to be paid out of any 

 money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the improve- 

 ment of the Mississippi river from the head of the Passes to the 

 mouth of the Ohio river, which sum shall be immediately avail- 

 able and shall be expended under the discretion of the Secretary 

 of War, in accordance with the plans, specifications and recommen- 

 dations of the Mississippi River Commission ; Provided,' That no 

 portion of this appropriation shall be expended to repair or build 

 levees for the purpose of reclaiming lands or preventing injury to 

 lands or private property by overflows ; Provided, hotoever, That 

 the Commission is authorized to repair and build levees, if in their 

 judgment it should be done, as part of the plans to aff'ord ease and 

 safety to the navigation and commerce of the river and to deepen 



