THE RIVER EMBANKMENT.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 171, 17 February 1868, Page 3

THE RIVER EMBANKMENT.

(To the Editor of the Westport Times and Charleston Argus.) Sib,—l confess I am pleased to see at last one gentleman speak out, through your valuable paper, what I conceive to be an insane attempt—not to protect the river bank, but actually assist nature in sweeping into the sea all that block from Morey's Hotel clean away. I use the word insane. I cannot help it, however uncharitable the expression may seem. Eor the last 35 years experience has told me, and I have found, it to be the study of all pern ons — well as practical men — to assist nature, not to go against it ; or in other words, to make a good foundation either for wharves, or a buttment for bridges by every known skill and art—cement, concrete, &c, &c, but never before did I ever see an attempt made to destroy a foundation made by nature of cemented gravel. Common sense tells us if we drive a pile plated with iron into any cemented gravel, stone, &c, it only leaves the water, or tide and time, to finish its work, which if your humble servant prophecies right, it will not be long first. I have before me a tracing of the intended works to be done. I do not know who was the author of that idea, and I fearlessly assert I do not think much of his > practical knowledge, for! the first flood anything like unto the last, will take the trumpery affair and the idea with it, you know where. I cannot but think if it had been worth while for our Chief Engineer to have paid us a visit the result would have been otherwise. I unhesitatingly state that I think there are men in this small but not less uninlluential community, who have got both theoretical and practical knowledge of all those public works which materially affect us all—commercial or trading; and

as the interest is for all, that information should be Bought for in a business-liko ui inner. Now, why should not plans be sent for approval without tho real name or address, and award a certain amount to that which may be considered the best, without any favoritism, and in the end not only the public in general will be the gainer, but.more particularly those who have property in danger of being swept to sea while experiments are being tried. Now, I still say, as I have said before, I am prepared to show any professional gentleman an inexpensive plan of a wharf that shall stand the test of anything that may be brought to bear against it. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your humble servant. S. Turner