The record-union., 1896-02-13


ali endeavor to procure the passage OF
the Johnson bill, and that the hydraulic
miners be, and they are most cordially
and earnestly requested to aid in pro-
curing its passage.
Resolved, That the opposition of the
hydraulic miners to said bill would pos
sibly result in its defeat, which would
work incalculable damage and injury tc
the people of the Sacramento Valley, as
well as to the people of the whole State,
and we would regard their opposition to
said bill as an unfriendly act, and as a
want of their good faith in the AMIGA
bic and mutually beneficial adjustment
of their conflicting interests with those
of the farmers.
Resolved, That copy Of these reso-
lutions be forthwith transmitted by the
Secretary to the Hon. Grove L. Johnson.
After the last resolution was read
Judge Hinkson read the text Of the
Johnson bill.
On motion of j. M. Morrison, the res
olution was amended so as to include
the tributaries of the Sacramento, as
well as the river itself.
v. s. McClatchy opposed the resolu-
straining dams. The best hitherto con-
structed have been swept away by the
late storms. He thought the resolu-
ton should confine itself to indorsing
the Johnson bill and urging its pas
sage, and in that shape should be
adopted. He thought it should be re-
ferred to the Committee on Com
merce.
Judge Hinkson thought Mr.. Nc
Clatchy would find himself mistaken,
if he would consider the resolution
carefully. 1t was designed to protect
the interests of the valley, and did not
advocate restraining dams, but the
matter would be entirely in the hands
Of the commission.
General T. w. Sheehan said he was
opposed to restraining dams, but he
regarded the resolution favorably, as
the Improvement of the river would
be in the hands of the same commits
sion that would pass on safeguards
against the damage from hydraulic
mining. He did not object to the matter
being referred to the Committee on
Commerce, but thought that the cham
ber should CONSULT with the Commits
sioner of Public Works, in order to pre-
pare bill that could be passed by the
next Legislature. 1t is useless to ex-
pect the river to carry water to twice
the amount of it's capacity.
It is useless to expect the Government
to reclaim private lands and there will
have to be ultimately a cut through
the Montezuma Hills, which will re-
claim the valley. The landowners in
acre to do 1t.
.. Lubin said that he thought the
bill should be amended by adding to the
an advisory board OF equal
powers, to be composed of farmers and
who would urge the engineers
on to act quickly.
Mr.. Coleman Favored the resolution
and spoke of the necessity of harmony
of the people Of the State, if they
wished to obtain help from Washing
ton.
w. D. Lawton favored the resolution,
but wanted the words serious injury
to our river" changed by striking out
the word serious" and he moved that
it be stricken out. The motion was
carried.
Mr.. Lubin, as he thought the engineers
would do their duty, and if they did not.
they could be removed. The resolution,
he thought, fully guarded the valleys
interests, and was SO intended. 1t was
necessary to have harmony between
the miners and farmers if we wish to
get the bill through, and the resolution
was intended for that end. He himself
was opposed to restraining dams, un-
less they were better built than in the
past.
Mr.. MeClatchy said that the original
Committee on Commerce conferred
with his bill. They consulted with the
Anti-Debris Association. and it was
agreed that there should be no war
with the hydraulic miners. The Gov
ernment will never consent to spend
the money of the Nation in building re-
dams in the interest of pri-
vate enterprise, any more than it would
improve the river simply because valu-
able private lands are being destroyed.
All private enterprises must be taken
care of by their owners.
He moved that the resolution be re-
ferred to the Committee on Commerce.
Mr.. Schaw heartily indorsed the
Johnson bill, and spoke of its import
ance to the valley. He favored the
H. w. Johnson said he regarded the
resolution as intended to show the min
were not hostile to them. We simply
want to express to the miners that we
would be glad to see them prosperous
if it is not to our damage.
He believed that was the sentiment
of the chamber, and Of the citizens Of
His remarks were loudly applauded.
G. E. Adams moved as a substitute,
that the chamber simply indorse the
Johnson bill but his motion met with
no second.
The motion to refer the resolution to
the Committee on Commerce was lost.
Mr. McClatchy then moved to strike
out all reference to restraining dams.
Lost.
Mr. Morrison said the Anti-Debris
Association, of which he was President,
had for four years had the subject of
cams uuQGT ClOlt- al d COI-
yention in San Francisco, the miners
had agreed to go hand in hand with the
farmers, but they had not kept faith.
They had constructed brush dams that
did not stand. If dams are to be built,
the miners should build them so that
they will stand for all time. If dams
are put in this resolution, it will be in
direct opposition to all resolutions here
tofore forwarded. The valley is in bet
ter condition now than it has been for
ten years, and we are prepared to take
up the new commission and show them
the dams that have gone out, and when
they see them there will never be an