Chapter 5 Summary

The river's use in commerce is severely limited by the shallow areas around the river's mouth. The channels are frequently changing, and other navigational hazards make shipping difficult and, often, dangerous. Humphreys champions canals, which have been unsuccessfully attempted since 1837, and dredges, also unsuccessful. He wants the work supervised by the Corps of Engineers. Eads proposes a series of jetties to concentrate the river's current, which will scour the riverbed and prevent sediment buildup, and he wants to lead the building of the jetties.

The two men go head-to-head in a series of political maneuvers and public speeches. At first, Eads faces nearly unanimous opposition, but his persistence and intelligence allow him to gradually gain favor with the public and the politicians. Finally, by offering to pay for the work himself and accept governmental reimbursement only upon success, Eads is allowed to proceed...