The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1894-06-13
SATISFACTORY settlement

The Payette Independent announces
that water corporation has found it
expedient to make liberal concessions
to land owners and then gloats over
it as though it were some sort of vic
tory over THE TRIBUNE. Were it not
for appearing immodest, we might call
the independents attention to the fact
that this is the first recorded instance
of water corporations acceeding to the
demands of the people in this state,
and it has transpired in less than a
twelve month since THE TRIBUNE be-
gan to point out some of the defects
and injustices of the commercial irri-
CATION system. This, however, Is not
the first defeat we have had occasion
to celebrate. Even the Independent,
against its natural inclinations and
habit of service, contributed one such
disaster, after years of stubborn resist
ence: and Mr.. RICHARDS, against his
material interests and matured convic-
lions was forced by conscience and
natural nobility to .solemnize a victory
of the same character at the cost of
mental anguish which he could express
in no language other than sweating
blood" The TRIBUNE will cheerfully
suffer all the humiliation of vanquish-
ment which covers it with credit and
distinction. If the Independent as
pires to achievements which crowns it
with laurels of different odor, it need
have no apprehensions of our envy or
emulation. There is nothing malig-
nant in The TRIBUNE's satisfaction
with the turn things have taken at
Payette. We are sincerely and de-
Gently gratified. We commend and
applaud the action Of the Payette Val
ley Irrigation and Water Power COM
pany. The terms of settlement are, we
are told, satisfactory to all concerned.
Surely disinterested people would be
foolish to cavil. A spirit of concession
on the part of water companies is
hopeful and encouraging sign. 1t is
also something of a departure and
points unerringly to speedy and salts
factory solution of question which
vexes this state more than any other.
THE TRIBUNE has its private opinions
as to how the problem ought to be
solved, but whenever the people say
they are satisfied with any solution or
agreement, we cheerfully acquiesce.
If the people had not been dissatisfied
with the system and terms now in op.
Grafton, it would have been pure cap.
tiousness on our part to raise objections.
But we found spirit of dissatisfaction
with the canal companies pervading
the people. On examination, we dis
covered what seemed to be funda-
mental defects and injustices. We at
tackled them because they were operat-
ing to the detriment and injury of the
people and against the progress of the
All that we ever hoped for,
all that sanity could expect, was an
which would be satisfac-
tory to the people. 1t matters not to
US whether that adjustment is in line
with our theories or not. It is purely
and solely question between the peo-
pie and the corporations. When they
agree, there is nothing to contend on.
Therefore, we congratulate the Payette
company on settlement agreeable to
both sides and sincerely hope other !
anal companies in this region may
'oon arrive at an equally happy termi-
nation of their difficulties. At the
'ame time, THE TRIBUNE, without
'gotism, congratulates itself on the sig
,al defeats it has enjoyed in compelling
me newspaper to abandon its habits,
q very eminent and con-
'cientious gentleman against his will
md inducing a powerful corporation
o make liberal and unprecedented
erms with the people. And all in one
community where year ago the same
was the sole arbiter of
very question.