The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1897-10-08
THE CONGRESS ENDED.
irrigation Advocates Transact In9ors
tant Business at Lincoln.
Federal Control ana Isintensnos Of Reser-
ViOrs In AIIdRegiOns Aslzsa-Hermaaa
BIN Endorsed. Which Codes to the
States ], 10000 AoFsa

. LIEcOLE, Neb., Oct The members
Of the National Irrigation congress
continued their record for industry
yesterday, erowding 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 a
triumph yesterday by securing the
next meeting for Cheyenne, and 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 10 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 Sc
curity Of the homes thereby created are alike
dependent upon the efficient public control Of
the water supply and the prevention OF water
becoming q speculative commodity We be-
lieVe that the water Of the streams should for
ever reiaain public property, and that the
right to it should not be individual, but in the
land reclaimed
whereas, The peTpetuati0u Of the forests Of
the arid region is essential TO the maintenance
OF the water supply for irrigation, as well as
the supply Of timberfOr industrial needs;
Sale Of Timber Lands Opposed.
Resolved That the president Of the United
States be memorialized to, so sOor as a proper
and adequate form Of administration shall be
provided withdraw from entry or sale. under
the act OF congress Of March 8, 1891, all public
lands which are 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-
ton IS not necessity, and having in their
operation proved utterly unsuited to the con-
dttions and the needs OF the arid region; and
Whereas, The present policy Of divided con-
troll between state ana nation Of the public
lands and waters Of the arid region retards de-
Velopment, misieads settlers, hampers enter
prise and is responsible for rapid destruction
OF western forests and pasturagei
Advocate Federal Control OF Pensions.
Resolved, That We favor the creation by con-
gress Of commission Of skilled and ex-
perie1ced persons to investigate the conditions
now existing and to submit to congress such
changes in our land laws as their investigation
shall show TO be desirable.
Resolved, That the executive committee be
authorized 10 appoint committee 10 nssnsaad
70 w ashingtOn ana urge the early creation OF
such a commission. We favor such commits
sion. We favor the construction at the earliest
practicable date by the general government Of
two reservoirs, recently located under the d.
.Teeti0n Of the United States engineer corps,
one each in Colorado and Wyoming
Colonization Movement Favored.
Resolved, That We commend al looking to
the colonization Of the arid west and the drea-
ton Of homes therein for the worthy poor.
Resolved, ThatWe have heard with the great
est interest and great pleasure Mrs. Booth
fuckers presentation and explanation OF the
plans and purposes Of the Salvation army in
great cities to settle and build homes upon the
rich irrigated lands Of the west The work IS
grand and patriotic one, worthy Of the COM
mendation and assistance Of every son Of our
country. The west exteHdsits heartieSt wishes
to these people, and pledges our sympathy and
support in aiding the people to make happy
homes upon cur rich ana productive lands
HeFmenR's Arid Land Bill Endorsed.
A supplemental report of the COM
mittee on resolutions, pledging the
support Of the irrigation congress to
the Hermann bill now pending in the
national house Of representatives, pro
viding for the cessation TO the states
of 1000, 600 acres Of arid lands, was
adopted.
The report Of the committee on plan
OF organization was adopted. The ma
tional executive committee was then
named, J. Il. Churchill, Of Kansas
Thomas Knight. of Missouri, and Matt
Dougherty, of Nebraska, being made
members. at four o'clock the congress
adjourned sine die.