Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1889-01-11


the value OF much of our common school
lands, and as you wiz be called upon for
legislative action on the subject, and
doubtless many theories and schemes VIII
be submitted TO your Judgment, would
respectfully remind you that the basis of
wisdom is experience. In ordinary At
fairs when we are called upon TO explore
an unknown region We seek information
from all who have Travelled the pathway.
Theories built upon seeming truth may
err, but the teachings of actual events
are iRfaTHbIe; and in order that you may
possibly profit by what has been taught
others deeply concerned by this best OF
all schoolmasterS, / call your attention TO
the following from the recent message Of
the governor of Arizona:
etOur laws should clearly define the
manner of appTOpriating, regulating and
distributing the water supply. The claim
of a great agricultural ana horticultural
country which Arizona advances is being
fast conceded; with liberal legislation
calculated to strengthen these paramount
industries the future prosperity of the
territory is assured. There should there
fore, be no uncertainty respecting water
rights and privileges. California has Just
passed through at exciting discussion of
this question The attempt TO enforce
the doctrine of riparian rights and to in
corporate it into tine Jurisprudence of that
state created popular revolt.
Old settled communities that had been
built up under the irrigation
system were Threatened with deStruc ton
by the enforcement of the riparian sys-
tenn, and cry from all the arid regions
of the state has gone up to the legislature
for the distribution of the water so as TO
build up and enrich communities IN place
of individuals.
''NOw that oar parched plains are fast
being brought under control OF the hus-
bandInan through irrigation, it is neees-
sary that the natural water supply should
be. regulated by well defined laws gov
erning its appropriation and economic
control. The future prosperity OF this
territory greatly depends upon the wise
solution of this vital question. Upon the
speedy adoption OF definite policy regu-
lating it rests the permaneucy OF our ag-
ricultural and horticultural Interests.
While organized capital is allowed TO con-
struet canals and take from the natural
streams, lakes and ponds supply Of
water. it should not be permitted to mo-
nopoliZe its use for speculative or COM
mereial ends. Water, like air, is one of
nature 5 offerings to the people, and no
lndfVlQEat or corporation should De sur
fered to arbitrarily control it to the det-
riment of public or private interests.
Capital should be protected in all its
vested rights Capitalists should be en-
couraged to build canals and irrigatmg
bitches by the assurance that they viii
receive fair returns upon their invest
ments; but they should not be permitted
to impose eXtOrtionate charges upon de-
pendent landowners
The territory should never surrender
the control of its water supply; It is the
people 5 heritage and should be con-
trolied in their interest. The legislature
by fixing reasonable charges for its use,
can protect capital in its investment, by
preventing eXorbitant charges, can Sc
cure to the irregator all his rights, by
preventing waste in distribution, can
extend the area of land subject to re-
clamation; by passing laws regulating the
question, and bearing justly upon all
diverse interests, giving protection alike
to the capitalist who constructs the
waterway, and the land owner who
takes the water therefrom, so that each
Will feel secure in his Investment OF
money or labor; it can prevent q vast
amount of litigation in the future. No
question of more gravity viii demand at
tention at your hands; it should receive
that careful consideration its paramount
Importance requires.