The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1894-08-02
IRRIGATION PLAN.

seemed to come the nearest to perfec-
ton and simplicity We subjoin an
other method advanced by a writer
in the Caldwell Tribune. The plan is
narrowed down to county projection
under which irrigation cannot reach
is highest plane; but if the best is not
to be had the next best must be taken.
The scheme here suggested is one that
is a long step toward reform and but
a short pass TO broader plan. The
only drawback TO county control is
that difficulties will arise where ca
nal extends through two or more
counties, the counties have not the
power to levy taxation on all the
lands watered; county credit being
of narrower basis, must naturally
create an advance on the cost of con
struction. Only on the broader cred
it Of the whole state-loaned simply
to the arid section-can the con-
struction of canals be brought to the
easiest terms; and cheap water--the
cheapest and most abundant supply
possible--is the question now sought
TO be solved But to the article in
question.
'ln recent issue of the Tribune
under the heading, Coming the
Right way ! find this language
''The next thing in order is to begin
the devisemcnt of plans by which
that (lhe management Of the irriga-
ton systems) can he accomplished,
without injustice to vested interest. -
| heartily agree with you in this prop
osition. ! believe that few can
did minded persons, who have given
a thought to the subject, deny but
that the proper method of irrigation
is by some scheme of state control,
if any such scheme can be devised,
by which the thing becomes .practica-
bic. | believe that the people gen
orally will take a more active and ag-
gressiyc interest in this question
where some plan is suggested to them
in which they can see, at least, the
semblance of practicability and one
which, if carried out at all, must be
done by themselves. You give the
s'Holt Scheme" and | have no desire
to find fault with it in any manner.
Is it may be the best scheme that
could be devised if it could be carried
out. But 'therc's the rub. Can it
be carried out2 Ii involves the ac-
ton Of congress; and the people have
learned by experience to wait n long
while for congress to act, especially
where the welfare of the west is in
volved Can't we suggest some
scheme which depends upon home in
dustry that will answer the purpose?
In answer to the question, propose
to outline plan and leave the de-
tails for some one else when the
time somes for them But first it
will be taken for granted that the state
has the right to irrigate its arid re-
gions and that right will not be de-
MED, and further, that it has not only
the right TO do it but has the right to
compel it to be done by those owning
the property to be benefited. This
right came from the right of eminent
domain and is ON theory of public
benefit by rendering the lands of the
whole community fertile, and is the
same right rs that by which the state
compels the opening and keeping in
repair of public highways and has
been recognized as law for centuries
But in order to enter upon and take
mans land or property of any kind
for any purpose, the public must in
some way be benefited The irriga-
of one mans farm, in order TO render
it more fertile or valuable, would not
be work of public utility. In order
to call in the power of the legislature
in exercising the right of eminent do
main, the public must be benefited ;
the benefit flowing from the improv-
ment must be in common. Also, in
exercising this right certain laws must
be observed. Bearing the above in
mind some seeming injustice in the
plan | shall suggest will be explained.
For, if'the public is to be benefited,
the public ought to bear portion of
the expense The first section of an
act that would embody my scheme,
would read something like this. The
board of county commissioners of any
county in the state. of Idaho, are au-
Il ~