Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1891-02-21
An IMPORTANT INQUIRY.
Artesian and UnderhOw Investigations
Of the Great Plains.
How the Work is Being Carried on
by the Agricultural Depart
ment, and with What Re-
suits.

conducted by the department Of agricul-
ture, as to the existence of artesian and
underdow waters in that section of our
country known as the Great Plains Re-
gion. The area covered is about 100000
square miles, and lies between the 9th
meridian and the foothills OF the Rocky
Mountains. The first inquiry was order
ed by Congress on the 4th Of April last
and small appropriation made therefor.
On the Both Of September a further ap-
preparation was made by the general de-
ficiency act. The first investigation has
materialized in the form of a report of 396
pages, with maps, diagrams, and illustra-
tons. The second investigation is now
In progress, Under the terms of the pro-
vision of September 80, the work was con-
siderably enlarged, but owing to the win
ter season preventing extended field work,
the time has been as much limited as the
work was extended. This investigation
covers not only the existence of artesian
water, but also what is known as the un-
derhow; that is, of the earth or phreatic
waters conserved in the porus stratum
beneath or near the surface, There is
reason to believe that very large supplies
can be obtained from this source. They
will be perennial or periodic in character,
as they are derived from the drainage of
the lower slopes and foothills of the
Rocky Mountains.
1t is doubtful If, in the history Of the
Government investigation, there has ever
been one more actively and theoretically
pursued than that which is recorded in the
report referred to. It is an exceedingly
interesting and readable work, setting
forth its mass of facts in a well-arranged
and attractive manner. The Office of irri-
cation inquiry in the Department of Agri-
culture has also just completed compre-
hensive report on the progress of irriga-
ton up to 1890, work which was added
to its other labors by the appropriation
act of September last.
The field force of engineers and geolo-
gists are nowi actively engaged in the
Southwest, where the weather permits
field operations. As soon as the season
will allow, the force will be transferred to
the Northwest. These facts are mentioned
in order to emphasize the necessity Of
repeating the extraordinary requirement
which was inserted after the sppropria-
ton of $4,000, which is as follows:
Provided that no part of said SUM shall
be expended under this paragraph unless
the entire investigation, collection and
publication contemplated herein, inclu-
ding the report thereon, can be fully and
finally completed and finished before
July 1, 1891, without any additional ex-
pense, cost or charge being incurred.
A strict adherence to the letter of this
proviso would have made its purpose in
operative. Secretary Rusk sagaciously
decided that Congress did not intend to
pass law with such a purpose, and he
has proceeded therefore to execute them
to the best of his ability. Scarcely a
month remained of last year for field op-
erations in the Northwest and they cannot
begin again before the first of March. The
largest artesian basin exists ID that Sec
ton, and more time is necessary for its ex-
animation. The field force has been act
lively at work in Kansas. Nebraska and
Eastern Colorado during the months of
November and December. They are now
in the southwest as before stated. To
require this investigation to terminate,
print and publish by the 80 day of June,
involves a decided waste of money and
will leave the important work in hand
but partially completed.
The conditions of angry controversy
which existed at the last session over IT.
rigation are not now prevailing. The work
of the Agricultural Department is neces-
sary one. It interferes with no topograph-
ical or other survey, does not carry
with the projecting Of vast engineering or
other expenditures, and is proceeding up
on lines familiar to the American charac-
ter and spirit, leaving the peopleto decide
thereafter upon their own course Of &C
ton. Hence it is urged that Congress
should extend the time for completing
this artesisn and underhow investigation
until at least the first of January, 1885,
and also make reasonable sppropria-
ton for further investigation into water
supply and irrigation progress, these
things to be done without any more limi-
tation than applies to any other work
authorized by Law. The people Of the
West are greatly interested, and the whole
country win be benefited by the develop
ment that follows the cultivation of arid
sections by means of irrigation.
IfTsa Sa+tled Fact