530 



MISSISSIPPI EIVER IMPROVEMENT. 



652,221 colored. Among the colored inhabi- 

 tants are included 1,832 Indians and half- 



breeds, and 52 Chinese. The following is a 

 classified table of the population by counties: 



MISSISSIPPI RIVER IMPROVEMENT. 

 A comprehensive and complete survey of this 

 great highway with a view to its improvement 

 was first ordered by the bill approved June 

 28, 1879, entitled " An act to provide for the 

 appointment of a Mississippi River Commis- 



sion for the improvement of said river from 

 the head of its passes near its mouth to its 

 head-waters." Pursuant to this act, a com- 

 mission was appointed, consisting of seven 

 members General Q. A. Gillmore, General C. 

 B. Comstock, and Major Charles R. Suter, all 



