The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-12-07
RESULTS.

To the Editor Of the Eagle.
1t is generally admitted By the press
and by the persons present that the late
irrigation convention, held in this city,
was the largest in point of members and
scientific talent of any convention of
like kind ever held in the United States,
not excepting the international conven-
ton held at Los Angeles. And the
question very naturally arises what
good has it done? What will be the
result?
Much good has been done when mems
minds are aroused to study and investi-
gate any subject by which mankind are
to be benefited. The convention drew
together biologists and scientists Of
national repu alton; men who have
positive and practical knowledge upon
the subjects they discussed. They were
able to communicate large fund of
valuable Information to practical men
who will at once proceed to test the
"methods' taught We use the term
''methods" because Professor Hay OBJ
jected to The use of the term ''theories'
as applied 10 the teachings of himself
and others who advanced only facts and
statements they knew to be true. Irri-
cation is not Theory" 1t is a science
applied to agriculture, and men differ
only in regard 10 the methods of appli-
cation. Scientific application is sure to
be followed by satisfactory and profita-
ble Results.
1t was once supposed that anybody
could run farm. If young man had
noitpor tho inclination nor ability fo
study profession or enter upon a bust
ness life he WAS turned over to the farm,
where he very naturally made failure
from the lack of ability and knowledge.
No man who has proved failure in the
ordinary business OF life need engage in
farming, hoping to make success Of it.
Agriculture Is the most independent and
enabling professions in which men can
engage, and it is most gratifying to
know that so much of the best talent in
the country is laboring to improve its
methods of operation, and tighten its
burdens.
This was demonstrated in the con-
vention. 1t was also settled by men who
know that about one-third of the west
ern end of Kansas is in serious need of
irrigation. 1t was settled that that ter.
ritOry has water enough in the ''under-
flow," and what may be said of storm
water, to irrigate as great percentage
of tho whole as is now irrigated in south
ern California.
1t was an admitted fact that the soil
of western Kansas is very much superior
to that of southern California, and with
the water that can be utilized, can be
made to produce crops that will surpass
California.
Major J. w. Powell, when asked how
western Kansas as a grazing country
compared with southern California, said,
"taki:. it by the square mile, western
Kansas is much superior"
If western Kansas as a grazing coun-
try is superior to southern California,
and if the water can be had to irrigate
as great percentage of area, then we
have here a territory of greater re-
sources. These statements may be re-
garded as settled facts, and should
stimulate the western farmer to hold on
to his possessions; and also encourage
the home seeker and land buyer to seek
these lands, having such fertile soil,
and develop and improve them. All
agreed that water could be had in west
ern Kansas enough to irrigate from 5
to 10 per cent Of the area. There were
instances stated where now a single well
is furnishing water sufficient to irrlgate
ten acres If farmer can irrigate ten
acres of his 100, he can make good liv
ing and lay upa competence. 1t can be
done. and is now being done. {.