The record-union., 1896-12-17
NATIONAL IRRIGATION CONGRESS.
INTERESTING PAPERS READ AT
YESTERDAYS SESSION.
An Address Against Federal or State
Legislation in Favor of Arid Lands
Adversely Criticised.

PHOENIX (Ariz), Dec. 16.-Three
thousand visitors are in Phoenix to-day
to attend the fifth annual session of the
National Irrigation Congress. Visitors
from twenty-five States, the Eastern
men taking as much interest in irTiga-
ton as the arid land citizens. Straw
berries, oranges, lemons, grapes and va
rious other semi-tropical fruits were
presented to the visitors, creating sur
prise to the residents of the frozen
East.
Great interest was manifested to-day
at the instructive papers which were
read
j. II. Kibey, ex-Chief Justice of Ari-
zona, who, while in office, rendered an
important and far-reaching decision ON
the rights of canals, made a brilliant ad-
dress, taking strong grounds against
either State or National legislation in
favor of arid lands, because it would b.,
detrimental to Arizona citizens, as the
history of past legislation shows every
attempt in this direction has been a fail
ure. This argument against the unani-
nous sentiment of the congress has
brought forth much adverse criticism.
Ada Irwin, a Phoenix lady long asso-
ciated with land matters, read an ex-
ceptionally interesting paper on the
adaptation of the present land laws for
colony sites. This paper was one of the
best read during the session
Judge Maxwell of California spoke at
length on why the State and Federal
Government should construct irrigation
works. His address was able and well
received
DIR. Chaplin of Illinois read scientific
paper on Humid America" DR. Chapin
is noted author, and his address was
mastery and interesting. The paper
showed the number of pounds of water
necessary to produce one pound of dry
product. Figures in this respect are
surprising. For example, the paper de-
clares one pound of corn requires 800
pounds of water, either irrigation or
| rain. The doctor makes strong claims
that the farms of Illinois, Indiana and
Maine have been greatly improved in
productiveness by the artificial appli-
cation of water. and the products have
| increased fourfold.
The afternoon session was devoted al
most exclusively to the presentation of
papers on various subjects assigned
| "Climatology," by Captain w A.
Glassford of Denver. created much ia
vorable comment. Captain Glassford is
an attache of the Weather Bureau, and
impaired mueh valuable information re-
lating to the climate conditions of the
arid West
| Permanent organization was effected
! to-day and bylaws and constitution
| adopted One hundred and three new
| members were added to the National
| association
| Tomorrow Buckeye O'Neill will pre-
sent the proposed draft of bill asking
| Government aid for ten arid States and
| Territories at the rate of a million dol
| lars per year for each, to be expended
! in reclamation of arid land, construc-
! ton of reservoirs, etc.
| The evening sessions leading feature
was the presentation programme by the
pupils of the United States Indian
School near Phoenix. The opera-house
was crowded and the delegates ex-
pressed themselves as highly pleased
With the evenings entertainment.