The Dickinson press., 1890-05-17
per annum.

inches of precipitation per annum.
West of the Missouri river there is
little reason to expect that any system of
reclamation will be of avail other than
by storage reservoirs, running streams
and q large system of main canals and
distributories.
But it is in its remarkable basin or
basins of artesian water that the Dako-
tas, especially South Dakota, are most to
be considered in relation to agricultural
security and as. possibly a permanent re-
lief at least from partial aridity. The
central and northeastern section of
South Dakota and the central portion of
North Dakota present a large area of
shallow lakes and lagoons which an ac-
curate survey will probably show to be
avilable, with proper engineering work,
as a series of small reservoirs or drain
age storage basins. These and their out
lets must be diverted for agricultural
use.
The artesian belt of the James river
valley, Dr. rather of its entire hydro
graphic basin, is the largest water body
The area embraced is at least fifty miles
AL SSNS4tSC 1SAlA IL SOllGti1AS dUOtlU
1000, 900 acres, of which SO per cent
could be made available for tillage.
From jamestown to Yankton there are
now about fifty artesian town wells in
operation. striking water at a depth that
ranges from 1,577 feet in jamestown to
610 and 900 at Yankton and Frankfort.
The pressure of the principal wells is
from % pounds at Highmore to ITO at
Yankton. The flow of water ranges per
minute from 1000 gallons at Columbia,
$500 at Aberdeen. 1900 at Yankton,
down to IA at Highmore.
Opinion was unanimous in the two
Dakotas in support of a liberal appropri-
alton for an irrigation survey, and the
demand was made on all sides that the
general government should appropriate
also Il sum of money sufficient to defray
the expenses Of rapid geologic and ny
geographic reconnaissance by which the
three forms of developing a water sup
ply already named might be fairly out
lined and located in connection with the
physical features of the Dakotas. The
appeal is, i'll the committees judgment,
q reasonable one, especially in view IF
fact that there remains at least 21,0OU,-
900 acres more of public land still open
to settlement. and it is recommended
that 81 sufficient sun be appropriated to
investigate the feasibility of the differ
ent plans outlined.
GENERAL NORTH DAKOTA NEWS.
The North Dakota Sunday School as
ISOLATION meets at Grand Forks May 81,
90 and 80.
There are thirty-threc Grand Army
posts i'll North Dakota with a total mem
bership of 775.
Faulk county, South Dakota, is push
ing a claim for 81, 500 for overpayment
of taxes, at the first term of the supreme
court of North Dakota.
They have appointed a sheep inspector
i'll Stutsman county, who will make big
efforts to prevent foot-rot, scab, ETC..
from getting a hold on sheep in that part
of the state.
E. S. Peterson, of Park River, has
been appointed special agent of the cen
Il bureau for tie collection of statistics
Of real estate mortgages. The work is
quite difficult.
The bill approprilting $25, 900 for sur
veying and marking with suitable mon
uments the boundary line between North
and South Dakota has been favorably
reported upon in the house.
The Fargo Water company last year
took i'll owe $4,000. Citizens are dis
satisfied with the service and agitation
has been started in favorof the city own
ing and operating the water works
system.
The supreme court has rendered Al
decision in the case of the state of North
Dakota against Webb. auditor of Nelson
county, to test the constitutionality of
the seed wheat law. Justice Wallim de-
livered the opinion, which establishes
the legality Of the issuance of bonds for
the purchase Of seed wheat.
A Washington dispatch says Congress-
man Hansbrough argued before the
house committee for public buildings
and grounds in support of a demand for
$50, 900 for Il penitentiary at Grafton.
The committee believes the law grants
North Dakota $50, 900 in land for a peni-
Tertiary, while Hansbrough declares the
organic act means that much cash.
While in Minneapolis, on his way back
to Washington, Senator Pierce, of North
Dakota, admitted that it is probable he
will be be a candidate for reelection ut
the coming session of the North Dakota
legislature. He thought the raising of
sugar beets and barley would rank next
i'll Importance to wheat in North Dakota
within the next two OF three years.
The house committee on territories
has decided to report favorably Con-
gresham Hansbrough's bill toreimburse
North Dakota for the excess of expense
for the constitutional convention held at
Bismarck last July. The expenses were
$40. II above the SEQ, 900 allowed.
This amount will be reported by the
committee.
The joint commission to make Il final
settlement between North and South
Dakota met at Bismarck and organized
by electing Auditor Bray, of North Da-
kota. chairman, and Auditor Taylor, of
South Dakota. secretary. Ex-Deputy
Territorial Auditor Girton. of Pierre.
and deputy public examiner. of Fargo,
have been appointed clerks. and will
prepare a statement to present to the
commission which meets on the goth.
Too Sensitive for Politicians
KANSAS Cry, Mo-. May 12.-The
women who We're recently elected off