Los Angeles daily herald., 1873-10-26
The IrrigOtOrs' Convention.

laws to save and distribute the water.
General StOneman was made Chair
man, and spoke few brief sentences.
He said he came to hear practical sug-
gestions from practical men from all
parts Of the county. The question
before the Convention was the most
important, i'm which all are interested.
The sooner it is settled the better for
all concerned for the settlement must
obvate differences and difficulties in
future. The longer it is postponed the
greater the acrimony and the greater
the number of neighborhood quarrels.
Mr.. sOlden was nominated Secreta-
ry, but declining, Mr.. Peek was elected.
The roll was called, and the follow
ing answered to the call:
Anaheim-W. II. Olden.
Azusa-J. II. Gordon.
El Monte-Geo. B. Peck. !.
San Antonio-W. Il. East.
Los Angeles-Second Ward, VIM.
Workman; Third Ward, j. G. Dow
ney.
Wilmington-General Banning.
ComptOn-A. Higbie.
Los Nietos-E. Is. Grandon.
San Gabriel-GeOrge Stoneman.
| Duu OauIlcl SullOH-Il. y. INoUtItS.
Silver. w. Venable.
Governor Downey read his views on
the questions before the Convention.
Mr.. Peck then read preamble and
resolutions, which were considered.
| WHEREAS, In our rivers and noun
| tain lakes, there is IA large amount of
water not utilized which, if properly
developal, would irrigate large area,
and thus enhance the taxable value of
our agricultural lands; and, whereas,
Our mountains are pierced with nu-
merous and convenient cai1ons, which
it is believed may be damned and
used for reservoirs, and the river
| streams which sink, may be saved by
submerged dams or stOne-lined ditch
es made into river-beds and flowing
thence into reservoirs, and from
thence distributed over large teritO-
ry; and, whereas, The existing agri-
cultural, riparian and common land
water-rights have been, are, and
must continue to be violently antago-
nistic, and provocative of constant
| litigatiOns, personal and neighbor-
exaggerated and aggravated with an
increased population; and, whereas,
The public are prevented from using a
large portion of their own water by
pretended claims sOfindividuals, which
is against public interest, the spirit of
our institutions, and not to be tolera-
ted; and, whereas, The individual
policy has never been, nor can ever
be able to properly manage this great
question which is of State.
ARTICLE |.
SECTION That it is the positive
| duty of the State of California to pos
sess and control all the water in the
State, which may be used for irriga-
tiOn, except springs rising on private
lands, without delay: and where ow-
nership of water is exercised to the
public detriment, except in the case
of springs rising OH private lands, to
provide for denouncing and paying an
| equitable value for the same if not of
national interest.
SEC. 2.-Delegatesa appointed at mass
convention held at Gallatin, Oct. 9th,
| 1873, to consider means for developing
and distributing the water of Los An
| geles county, for agricultural purposes;
with the view of furnishing basis for
| legislation during the coming winter,
as follows,
| ARTICLE III.
| SEC. THAT it is the duty of the
State to supply able engineers to make
a thorough examination of our rivers,
cations, ETC., and report as to the fea-
sibility of introducing the water sup
| ply and of storing the same in reser-
voirs for future Use.
ARTICLE III.
SEC. lit is the duty of the State to
create new department of govern
ment to take cognizance of all matters
pertaining to water development, and
Irrigation. Said department to con-
sist Of
/. A State superintendent who shall
be assisted by an Advisory Board of
Engineers Ot---civilians.
2. One superintendent for each coun-
| ty where irrigation is practiced.
3. Three commissioners for each
water district. The details of which
are left to the legislature.
SEC. 2. Lands irrigable by one
stream and its tributaries to consti-
tute not more than two districts, and
when practicable not more than one.
SEC. 3. Water to be sold in all
eases, but irrigatOrs to be privileged
to buy in proportion to the acres to be
cultivated in that water year.
SEC. 4. Irrigation head to be de-
fined in inches.
SEC. 5. Present water laws to be
revised.
Resolved, That properly existing
water rights, in the cOntem plated
uhnnno chonlI hn racraofol
Resolved, That the attention of his
Excellency the Governor, is especially
called to urge upon the legislature the
appointment of a special commission
with power to visit all parts OF the
State to examine into the above quest
ions and to report at the present ses-
sion of the Legislature at the earliest
| practicable moment.
Resolved, That the advancement of
the State Of California in civilization
and national prosperity. will greatly
depend upon proper system of water
laws.
Resolved, That copy of the above
be furnished his Exceilency the Gov
ernOr, and the Honorable Members of
the Assembly, and the HOnrable Sen
atOrs, with the request that they will
urge legislation as above desired.
On the first resolution considerable
discussion took place. Mr.. Workman
thought it would conflict with the
rights of Los Angeles; and with
rights in water which had become
| vested. He was in favor of extend
| ing irrigation as far as possible.
But Governor Downey in reply said
the State already controlled the city
in it's distribution, and that was all
the law desired would control.