The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-03-24
HOKE SMITH AND IRRIGATION
Georgia Man Making Lots of Trouble 70
Chef Long and Lucien Baker.

Washington, March 23.-The Kansas
delegation is having quite a time of it
in fighting the administration and the
tendency of congress to economic in
continuing the appropriation for irriga-
ton investigation. The amendment of
Mr.. Long providing $4,000 was added
to the agricultural bill, against the pro-
test Of the secretary of the interior and
of the committee, which never appro-
PIRATES money unless called for by de-
partmental estimate. When it reached
the senate, the committee there insisted
that if it were appropriated, the pres
ent secretary of the interior would not
eXpend it in the direction desired, and
hence it was of no use TO burden the
bill with the amount. The understand
ing was partially reached, however,
that money for this purpose should be
provided for the director of the geologi-
cal survey, but again the trouble is en-
countered, as the secretary of the in
terror will not recommend the appro-
priation.
By way of circumventing Mr.. Smith,
Mr.. Baker introduced a resolution call
ing on the secretary Of the interior for
all information abiding to the work of
the director of the geological survey on
the subject of irrigation.
Congress last year provided $4,000 TO
be expended in that bureau in securing
information about the water in arid re-
gions. but no provision was made in
that appropriation to authorize that bu-
reau to seek TO diffuse practical infor-
nation to the people about how 10
utilize the water they might find.
The director of the geological survey
in reply to the Baker resolution, has
made up his statement, which will be
presented to the senate c-morrow or
Tuesday. The report states that in
vestigations covering water supply
have been made, as follows: Republi-
can river at Junction City, Solomon riv-
er at Beloit, Saline river at Beverly,
Smoky Hill river at Ellsworth, Blue riv-
er at Manhattan. Kansas river at Law
renee, Verdigris river at Liberty. NeO-
sho river at lola, Medicine river at
Kiowa and Cimarron river at Arkalon.
The bureau also has information on
hand which has not been published,
showing that arteSian wells can be
found in certain parts OF western Kan
sas, but so far there has been no money
allowed for the purpose of putting forth
in general circulation this information
in pamphlet. 1t appears that in num-
Der of places in the state artesian wells
are 20 be found that can be relied upon
at all times. and are hence OF great
value. according TO information OF the
bureau. and the opinion Is expressed
that an investigation would result in
finding a number Of other localities that |
could be furnished with water il this |
way. In addition 70 this, the report !
says:
For example. II may be possible Il /
prepare a short bulletin. illustrated 4
with a few figures and sections, show /
ing the method Of utilizing the water 4
supply OF western Kansas. Such bull I
letin, calling attention 10 the distribu- 4
ton OF water in rivers. springs and /
wells. its use and storage in reservoirs. /
and all the possibilities OF obtaining !
supplies from under ground by pump (
ing machinery driven by wind or &C /
mated by steam or gasoline engines /
would be OF considerable value 70 the 4
inhabitants. not only OF this particu- /
lar locality. but % many other portions 1
II the great plains"
II IS observed n the communication
that II would scarcely BE- possible. with 1
The usual appropriation 70 this bureau.
- extend is investigation leading .
practical application OF water when
found under conditions making state II
riga-ion possible the amount usually
4 Ilored being only sufficient for rhe
scientific purposes formerly assignee b
the bureau
When this Communication reaches
re senate. and after L becomes an a.
fetal fact that The senate coEterrees
viii defeat the appropriation q S5.o|o
~ irrigation investigation under ne
: l-ectsou % the secretary q 2gTicu-t-
IRE. Senator Baker VIII USe = uIo1 ne
sanste committee and urge IN ADDITION
Al appropriation % $500 n TIE sundry
evil biz fo- The geological survey. Win
directions that & - used n supplying
Information about h5T = secure = 4
practical way. water supply n the ana
region
.lr Long VII also make 2 similar e.
so-t n The house and. with genera
os- a. along re ,.ns. j; Is believed hey