Chapter XI: Militarism and the Mississippi Valley 301

Military caste absorbs to itself undue power--Danger
seen in military opposition to improved system for
river regulation--Military control of inland waterways
detrimental to country--Army Engineers wedded to System
of "Pork Barrel," political, piecemeal
appropriations--Reason why Army methods of education
hamper progress in river improvement--Mississippi River
requires comprehensive treatment--Necessity for Source
Stream Control on all upper tributaries--Why the
Calaveras Reservoir was not built--Blunder in
Construction of Stockton Cutoff Canal--War may be
uncertain, but necessity for fight against floods and
storms is certain--Description of a great Gulf
Storm--Comprehensive plan for protecting lower delta of
Mississippi River by great Dikes like those in Holland
Safety from floods guaranteed by construction of
Atchafalaya Controlled Outlet, Wasteway, and Auxiliary
flood water channels.