New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-09-28
TO RECLAIM ARID LANDS.
MAJOR POWELL ON TIE POSSIBILITIES
FROM IRRIGATION IN THE WEST.
LIVELY INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT AT EACH
PLACE VISITED BY THE SENATE COM.
MITTEE-wHAT THE PEOPLE OF
THE ARID REGION WANT.
THE ARID REGlON NhHI'
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TKIBCSE.I


| Washington. sept c7-Major j. W. Powell, director
| Of the United States Geological Survey returned TO
| Washington this morning, after an absence OF more
| than two months spent with the Senate committee
that has been investigating the subject Of irrigation Of
the arid lands west OF the Tooth meridian. The last
Congress appropriated S250O0O for preliminary sur
veys looking to a comprehensive system OF riigatins
canals and bitches and the building Of storage reser-
voirs in proper places TO insure constant and spf
ccnt supply of water In conversation with Tribune
correspondent to-day, Major Powell said:
"The trip was most instructive and interesting
one, and the members Of the Senate committee who
went over all the ground, returned not only fully
convinced Of the praccsblity of the proposed system
but as l believe, heartily in favor OF such action by
Congress as will insure it's success Senator'S Stew
art Of Nevada; Jones' of Arkansas, and Reagan, OF
Texas made the entire trip, and worked with such
zeal and industry as TO astonsh everybody who had
been pursuad d that Congressional committee Is a
mere junketing affair"
What states and Territories did your journeys
coyer:7
"All that are included IN what Is generally known
as the arid econ-the DakCtas, Montana, Idaho,
Oregon, California. Arizona, New-Mexico. wyoming
Utah, Colorado aud Western Nebraska and Kansas.
In all thai REGION except Oregon and Northern Cali
forna tho OF agriculture depends wholly or
mainly irrigation. Roughly speaking the arid
region comprises that portion Of the United States west
Of the Tooth meridian with the exceptions mentioned
and includes about Oucthird Of Kansas and Nebraska
Do the people Of those States and Territories show
much interest in the subject of lrrigatiOn?'
Yes, The interest is intense, and It Is felt by every
body out here-miners, merchants, professional mon,
and all-bccause everybody seems to realize that the
future growth and prosperity of that country largely
depend upon It. Mon came from every directon-from
almost every county-tO consult with and give us
information. We found out from them what had been
oh.
tained to crops. They laid their difficulties before
tie committee, difficulties arising from want Of knowl
edge how proper works, from the covetous
ness and berality OF private corporations which
have obtained control Of the of water supply
etc. Some eighty public meetings were held and
everywhere and at all times tho committee was kept
busy listening to the multitude Of facts brought to
Its attention by men who have experienced all the
difficulties OF agriculture in arid region, who have
enjoyed some Of the benefits to be derived from IT.
rgston, and who have suffered much from the eX-
actions Of private corporations Whenever and
wherever it practicable, the sent out by the
Geological Survey this year to begin surveys were
brought I'm, and the nature and extent OF their work
shown and explained BY these and other
the committee has obtained vast amount Of
and valuable information on the subject committed 70
ii, and its report will be one of the most valuable
ever submitted To Congress-
How much land has been brought under lrnga-
ton thus far!7
Have arlcsIan wells been found valuable an
adjunct of irllSatOn?"
Not for farming purposes. In the vicinity Of
towns and villages they have been found useful as
sources Of supply for the irrigation Of gardens ard
for municipal and domestic purposes
DO the people Of the arid region expect thn General
Government to build the storage rcs3iVO!'s! p
No; they do not ASK that. They want h, Gov
eminent 10 make the surveys showing whore ard
how the reservoirs should be built, and they will do
tie rest They ask also that public lands reclaimed
by irrigation shall be open to homestead entry only
and that tho size Of n homestead SHAH not exceed
forty or ~ most eighty acres. | agree with them
10 that
How much will Congress be- asked TO appropriate
Cor surveys Of the arid lands for the next year1'
shall recommend an appropriation of SS5OOOO.
and that sum, hope, viii be granted"