1904.] HAUPT — THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER PROBLEM. 79 



In closing the report the Commission calls attention to the pecu- 

 liarly favorable conditions of the outlet section of the river in these 

 words : 



'^ In conclusion of this subject, the Commission considers it 

 necessary to call the attention of Congress to peculiar conditions 

 existing below Red river. This section of the river is in a state of 

 much greater stability than is found in any other part of its course 

 below the junction of the Missouri. At a short distance below Red 

 river it becomes narrower and deeper. It has been leveed through- 

 out for a great many years. No flood complications arise here, as 

 above, from the return of overflow water which has escaped from 

 the river at points higher up. This all reaches the sea through 

 the numerous delta bayous on either side." 



This reach, therefore, furnishes the best object lesson available as 

 to the proper treatment of the river, and is a complete answer to 

 the objections to the use of outlets, for the volume of discharge, 

 when in flood, is only about one-half that of the river above the 

 mouth of the Red, and yet the depths are more than ample, reach- 

 ing in places to two hundred feet. The escaping waters do not return 

 to the bed but are permanently withdrawn, and there are no such 

 variation of channel widths as are to be found between the lines of 

 levees as constructed in the higher reaches. 



The President of the Commission, however, did not coincide 

 with the majority on the question of levees and outlets, with refer- 

 ence to which he said : 



*' Considering .... the probability that the height of floods 

 will increase in the future, it seems proper that in the plan for any 

 general system of levees, if the principle of keeping out all floods, 

 whatever their height, should be surrendered (a step of doubtful 

 advisability), the plan should at least provide for holding a flood 

 like that of 1882. A thorough study of the subject of levees has 

 not yet been made ; until then accurate estimates are impossible. 

 .... Such as they are they make it impossible for me to concur 

 in the estimate of $11,443,770 as the cost of a general system of 

 levees from Commerce, Mo., to the Forts, adequate to preserve that 

 country from destructive floods." 



From the foregoing records it appears that the Commission, after 

 a careful investigation covering about fourteen years, had little or 

 no confidence in the ability to regulate the river by revetting the 



