Citizen number two said nothing more. It was the opportunity for number three to speak.
"If this cut-off is made, it will ruin the trade of Vicksburg. It has been a fine city for business, but this will spoil it. Boats will not be able to reach the town, but will find all the current through the short route."
"That is just what we want," said the General. "We are digging the canal for the very purpose of navigating the river without passing near Vicksburg."
Number three went to the rear. Number four came forward.
"If you make this cut-off, all these plantations will be carried away. You will ruin the property of many loyal men."
He was answered that loyal men would be paid for all property taken or destroyed, as soon as their loyalty was proved.
The fifth and last point in the protest was next advanced. It came from an individual who professed to practice law in De Soto township, and was as follows:
"The charter of the Vicksburg and Shreveport Railroad is perpetual, and so declared by act of the Louisiana Legislature. No one has any right to cut through the embankment."
"That is true," was the quiet answer. "The Constitution of the United States is also a perpetual charter, which it was treason to violate. When you and your leaders have no hesitation at breaking national faith, it is absurd to claim rights under the laws of a State which you deny to be in the Union."
This was the end of the delegation. Its members retired without having gained a single point in their case. They were, doubtless, easier in mind when they ascertained, two weeks later, that the canal enterprise was a failure.