Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-10-09
IRRIGATION DEMANDS.
The National Congress at Lincoln
Adopts Important Resolutions
Government Versus State Control of Reser-
voirs In Arid Observation-Disclosures
scheme acknowledgements
Bill Favored.

OF the National Irrigation congress
continued their record for industry
yesterday, crowding much work into
two short sessions and concluding
their convention in time to allow
many of the delegates to take evening
trains for home. Ex-senator Carey, of
Wyoming, who was Wednesday elected
president of the congress, scored
triumph yesterday by securing the
next meeting for Cheyenne, ard he
was again honored by being chosen as
chairman of the national executive
committee. Federal versus state con-
troll and maintenance of reservoirs in
arid districts was the rock upon which
the convention seemed destined at one
time to split. A preponderance of
sentiment favorable to federal control
was shown on a vote to adopt the ma
jority report of the committee on reso-
lutiOnS-
The committee on resolutions re-
ported through its chairman, Elwood
Meade, of Wyoming. The resolutions,
which follow, were adopted by sections:
The value of the irrigated farm and the
curity of the homes thereby created are alike
dependent upon the efficient public control of
the water supply and the prevention of water
becoming a speculative commodity. We be-
lieve that the water of the streams should for
ever remain public property, and that the
right to it should Eot be individual, but in the
land reclaimed
Whereas The perpetuation of the forests of
the arid region is essential to the maintenance
of the water supply for irrigation, as well as
the supply of timber for industrial needs;
Sale of Timber Lands Opposed
Resolved. That the president OF the United
States be memorialized to, so soon as proper
and adequate form of administration shall be
provided. withdraw from entry SALE under
the act of congress of March 3, 1891 all public
lands which of more value for their timber
than for agriculture or for their minerals.
Whereas. The present public land laws hav-
ing developed under conditions where irriga-
tion is not necessity, and having in their
operation proved utterly unsuited to the con-
ditions and the needs of the arid region; and
Whereas, The present policy OF divided con-
troll between state and nation of the public
| lands and waters of the arid regi on retards de-
velopment, misleads settlers, bumpers enter
prise and is responsible for rapid destruction
of western forests and pasturage;
Advocate Federal Control of Pensions.
Resolved, That we favor the or cation by con-
| gress of a commission of skilled and ex-
| perienced persons to investigate the conditions
| now existing and to submit to congress such
| changes in our land laws theil investigation
| shall show to be desirable
| Resolved, That the executive committee be
authorized to appoint committee to proceed
| to WaShin gton and urge the early creation of
| such commission. We favor Sach commits
| sion. We favor the construction at the earliest
| practicable date by the general government OF
! two reservoirs, recently located under the di-
| rection of the United States engineer corps
one each in Colorado and Wyoming.
| Colonization Movement Favored.
| Resolved, That commend nl1 looking to
| the colonization of the arid west and the crea-
tion of homes therein for the worthy poor.
| Resolved, That we have heard with the great
| est interest and great pleasure Mrs Booth
| fuckers presentation and expl lnation of the
| plans and purposes of the Salvation army in
| organizing colonies of the worthy poor of our
| great cities to settle and build Dmes upon the
rich irrigated lands of the west The work is
| a grand and patriotic one, worth of the COM
| mendation and assistance of ev cry son of our
| country. The west extends its h tartieSt wishes
| to these people, and pledges our sympathy and
| support in aiding the people o make happy
| homes upon our rich and produc live lands
Ssermann's Arid Land Bin Endorsed.
A supplemental report of the COM
mittee on resolutions, p: e1ging the
| support of the irrigation congress to
the Hermann bill now pen ding in the
national house of Representatives, pro-
| viding for the cessa ton to the states
of 1,OO0 600 acres of arid lands, was
adopted.
The report of the committee on plan
of organization was adopted. The ma
tiona1 executive committee was then
named, J. FL. Churchill, of Kansas;
Thomas Knight. of Missouri, and Matt
Dougherty, of Nebraska, being made
members. At four o'clock the congress