Fort Worth weekly gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-11-06

the taxes that go into the treasury
through the tariff. This is the Republic
can idea, b f. is an assumption.
TIE QUESTION OF ARTES SIAN VA
TER SUPPLY IN TEXAS.
II will be remembered that during the
last session of congress, there was n
lively contention between that body and
Maj. Powell, head of the United States
geological survey, relative to the scope
and extent, as well as the amount of
money that should he expended, in the
investigation and development of the
question OF irrigation and water supply
in the arid regions Of the West. Maj.
Powell proposed most elaborate scheme
that called for the expenditure OF vast
sums of money, and asked for an ap-
preparation of 500 600 with which to be-
gin work. Congress, he knew was in
the giving mood, and thought no doubt,
that as the surplus was to 60, it may as
well be spent-a goodly portion OF it at
least-in finding water wherewith to re-
claim and restore to agricultural use
millions of acres in the great American
desert, now barren waste. But the
major was over sanguine. He struck the
salons too hard. His demand, like that
of Texas for deep water, was considered
too high. There were other demands OF
greater political value that had to be at
tended TO, and the question of great
reservoirs and storage basins at or near
the headwaters OF rivers originating in
the Rocky mountains, must wait. The
project was a grand one that embraced
enormous possibilities of good, but was
perhaps, 4 little premature.
However, congress- did appropriate
sum OF money in September, 500, 900
in all, to be expended in the investiga-
ton of the artesian water supply in the
region between the 97th deg. of lon
gitude and the eastern slope of the Rocky
mountains. The investigation which
VIII be conducted by corps of trained
uud experienced biologists under di-
rectiou OF tho agricultural department,
Is TO include an inquiry into the extent,
area and depth Of the water bearing
strata of this region, the amount of the
artesiGn water supply, ana the best man
uer of obtaining and utilizing it for pur-
poses of irrigation in the various local
tiles in which It may be had.
Professor r. Z. Hill. until lately con-
uected with the geologist department of
Texas, has been commissioned to con-
duct the investigation OF artesau water
supply in Texas, New Mexico, and the
Indian Territory. No better appoint
mcnt for That region could have been
made. Professor Hin has gained his
spurs in geological research, by adding
an impor tnnt chapter on the history and
character of the cretaoious formation in
Texas, TO the geological records of the
country. or that and kindred matters
he Is well known authority. He has
also given a good deal OF attention to the
subject of the Rrtesian water sup
ply in Texas, and as far as
his Investigations have gone, Is able TO
say where and at what depth water can
be found. Under his commission from
the government he will, of course, de-
vote his entire time and abilities TO the
fullest investigation of q question of the
greatest Importance to the future OF this
state.
4 great deal depends in this state on
reliable supply of water both for irriga-
zion and for domestic purposes. The
problem is practically solved in a belt
reaching across the state from north to
south Lud including Fort Worth, Dali
las, Waco, Austin, Houston and Calves
ton. In III" three first named cities ar
tesian water has been found in the great
est abundance, and will, as Professor
Hin says, be found in equal abundance
st all intermediate points throughout the
belt, il beng ascertained that through
out that region at least there is an euor-
nous uuderilow OF artesian water Mt a
uniform depth. What may be the
lateral extension on either side OF this
area of underfow is matter for inves-
ugation, ana will be determined probs-
Div by the research now on foot.
It's importance TO West Texas and the
Panhandle will be duly appreciated in
those sections Of the state So rich in
farming lands, that with reliable
water supply could be made as valuable
ana as productive rs the tar-famed val
lev Of the Nile, which owes its fertility
70 irrigation
THN Tagging Factory.
Montague County Independent.