The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1894-02-10
IRRIGATION PLAN.
The Matter to be Brought Under Con-
troll Of the Counties.
A Seemingly Practical Scheme
ated SO as to be Plain 10 All-Kead
il and Think.

In a recent issue of the TRIBUNE
under the heading, Coming the Right
way find this language, The next
thing in order is to begin the devise
ment of plans by, which that The man
agement of irrigation systems) can be
accomplished, without injustice to
vested interests" heartily agree
with you in this proposition. | believe
that few candid minded persons, who
have given a thought to the subject,
deny but that the proper method OF
irrigation is by some scheme OF stae
control. it any such scheme can be de-
vised, by which the thing becomes prac-
ticable. believe that the people gen.
orally will take more active and ag-
gressive interest in this question where
some plan is suggested to them in
which they can see, at least, the SEM
blance of practicability and one which,
if carried out at all, must be done by
themselves You give the "Holt
Scheme" and l have no desire to find
fault with it in any manner, as it may
be the best scheme that could be de-
vised if it could be carried out. But
'there's the rub Can it be carried
out? 1t involves the action of con-
gress: and the people have learned by
experience to wait a long while for
congress to act. especially where the
welfare of the west is inv Olved. Can't
we suggest some scheme which de-
ponds upon home industry that will
answer the purpose? In answer to the
question, propose to outline a plan
and leave the details for someone else
when the time comes for them. But
first. 1t will be taken for granted that
the state has the right to irrigate it's
arid regions and that that right will
not be denied 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 the theory
of public benefit by rendering the lands
of the whole community fertile, and is
tine same right as 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 a
mans land or property Of any kind for
any purpose, the public must in some
way be benefited. The irrigation of
one mans farm in order to render it
more fertile or valuable. would not be
work of pabiic utility In order to
call in the power of the Legislature in
exercising the right of eminent domain,
the public must be benefited: the bene-
fit flowing from the improvement must
he in common. Also in exercising this
right certain steps must be taken and
certain laws must be observed. Bear
ing 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 Ouhgt to
bear a proportion of the expense. The
first section of an act that would EN-
body nv scheme, would read something
like this: The board of county com
of any county in the state
of Idaho. are authorized at any regular
or called session, TO cause to be located
and constructed any ditch, canal or
water-cOurse of the length of five miles
and upward as hereinafter provided,
when the same is necessary for the
proper irrigation of any lots, or lands,
or will be conducive to the public vel
fare The petition for any such i'm
provement shall be held to include any
side. lateral, spur or branch ditch, canal
or Water-c0ufSe, or Otnef WORK noceS-
sary to secure fully the object of the
petitioned for, whether
the same is mentioned or not in the
petition. The second section would
provide as follows: An application
for any snch Improvement shall be
made to the board of commissioners of
the county signed by at least-Owners
of lots or lands which will be irrigated
or benefited thereby. who shall each
sign the petition and bond provided for
in this act, which petition shall be filed !
with the county clerk and shall set |
forth the necessity of the improve
ment, and describe generally the route
of the proposed ditch or canal. The
bond herein provided for shall be made
payable to the state, with sufficient
snreties conditioned for the payment of
all costs, ii the prayer of the petitioners
be not granted or be dismissed for any
canse by the board of commissioners.
Sec. 3 After providing for the cleo
ton of two irrigation commissioners.
tAls section would read; II tue bond