The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-09-02
THE IRRIGATION CONGRESS
First Days Session of the Conven-
ton at Cheyenne.
SENATORCAREYSADDRESS
The Speech q Strong Exposition OF the
Benente o. Irrisston-Permanent
orfcers Elected-Gov. Richards
Welcomes the Delegates.

A0ENtIEtts StANs
70 the National Irrigation congress and
others continue 10 arrive by every
train Everything points to a success
full meeting. The congres was called
10 order this morning by President Ca
reg, Al entertaining address OF well
cone was given by Governor Richards.
to the governors address
were made by Messrs. Logan OF Ari-
zons. Professor Churchill and Judge
Enncry of Kansas. Allen and Dcugh'r-
ty OF Nebraska. DR.. Young Of Utah ana
Field OF Colorado.
The afternoon session began WIN
the reports of the committees on Gre
dentials and permanent ORGANIZATION,
which were adopted. The fohowihs
officers were elected: frcs-
ident, Joseph NJ. Carey, wyoming htSt
vice president, DR.. S. 3. Young Utsh'
second vice president, S. A Cochran
gouth Dakota; third vice president. ;.
"A. Knox, Illinois: o. 7. McCutcheon OF
Michigan, national lecturer: O. II;
Maxwell. California, assistant national
lecturer Frank Bond, Cheyenne, Wyo'
press clerk.
President Carey then delivered a very
,rstructiye address and the
convention for the honor conferred up
on him. President Carey spoke as rol-
lows:
.tan Congress have left behind them
lasting impressions and f~ar-reachihe
benefits. The questions discussed and
tne resolutions adopted from time 10
time have brought prominently oe1ort
the people of the United states the ara
and sub-arid portions OF the country
their present conditions and what ls re-
outred TO transform sections now whol-
---.ax. @@~-fIe and Ync1RntlN INTO
Ynose OF productiveness and beauty.
"Trhe sessions held and the commit
fees heretofore appointed have not ac-
cornplished all that could be deslreoi
vet a great deal has been done. II We
examine the statutes OF the Uhl'eu
states and Of the different states inter-
ested we will find that much useful
isv1sla.ion has been secured. The files
Of the two houses of congress best ten
oS the interest now manifested IN the
question which directly concerns the
arid states and territories. Various
btus have been introduced and consid-
cred which directly apply to the trans
Missouri country, many OF which pos,
eess great merit. The newspapers ana
mnrazines now give the subjects dis
cus.ed in the Irrigation conventions
space and criticism.
.-These sessions bring together sci
ent1sts. skilled engineers, lawmakers.
practical business men, capitalists anc
The everyday farmer and irrlgatoI
The delegates exchange views, eacn
taking a significant part In the deloer-
atoms, and each is so necessary TO the
others IN the discussion OF the various
questions that it is difficult TO deter
mine who of the different profession
and trades becomes the most important
factor. Each gives the others the ben
eft of his experience and explains his
theories, thereby helping 10 bulld UP q
sound public sentiment
While there has been much 20 dis
courage yet, that which has been real
lied in the way OF legislation should
be a sufficient incentive for US to con-
tinue our Efforts
Unfortunately, only a comparative
ly small number OF the people of the
United States comprehend the extent
of that part OF the United States which
requires, for successful agricultural
pursuits, artificial irrigation. II the
arid portions were separated rom the
other part of the United States IL would
IN itself be an empire and would, or
the maps OF the world, appear to be the
much greater territory. The country
winch would be benefited by artificial
irrigation in the growing Of crops Is
not lees than 1900 miles from East e
West ant 1000 miles from North 4
South. This great area could be di
vided into nearly 40 political divisions
each of which would be of n size OF
the Empire state.
Approximately, three-hfths OF tn
territory of the United States. exclu,
sive OF Alaska, Is directly interested II
the subjects which this conEnesS vii
consider. To he people living West o.
the Missouri nyer these questions, OF
all questions. are the most important
states and territories ar,
AaE a
our arid lands and make them capabl
OF supporting the increasing poPuls
Ion2 What legislation, national and
state. is required? 1t would be inap
propriate for me at this time To &
into details. I am happy TO know
there are those here who VIII ably an
e~loquently present every phase OF thes'
questions. None will doubt that thes
questions must be met by congress
and the several states interested mus
contribute much legislation.
The general government IS interest
ed in a material way for the reaso'
that IL owns most Of the land in n
arid country, and under the existing
settlement laws Il Will be many, man,
years before 1t can parcel out thes
lands to actual settlers. The policy o
the nation has been, and wise has bee.
that policy. TO part with the public DO
main 20 those who wish to make home
or improve the lands. as a gift. or 70
so small an amount as to scarcely pa,
the cost Of surveys and expenses q
the administration OF he LAND office
The question daily arises with IN
national legislator: Is IT better for tn
nation to directly undertake the con
struction Of great irrigation canall
dams, reservoirs, etc, and then parc,
out the lands 50 reclaimed in sma
tracts among those seeking homes; {
s. IL better 10 cede the lands withOu
restrictions or conditions directly {
the states IN which they are situated
or IL II wiser TO pass laws with restril
lions and conditions. but such as wi
encourage the Individual and the col
poration 10 undertake the work Of n
clamation? Much may be said
support OF either Of these proposition
They are now live questions and Al