The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-09-02

termittent showers all night, which
were greatly needed, this morning the
sun rose clear and the atmosphere Is
bracing and cool, such as Cheyenne
usually offers for the pleasure Of visit
ors. Delegates to the National Irriga-
ton congress continue to come in, but
the bulk of them will arrive this after
noon and tonight.
Indications all point to very sue
cessful meeting. Cheyenne's pretty lit
tie opera house is tastefully decorated
with products of irrigation in Wyo-
ming. Bundles of cut corn, sheaveS Of
grain of all kinds. and vegetables. the
products of irrigation, are being pro-
fuSely used in the decorations of the
auditorium and the stage.
1t was learned this morning that
bad washout on the Southern Pacific
would delay the arrival of the CalifOr-
mia, New Mexico and other delegations
from the southwest at least one and
perhaps two days. Nevertheless, the
congress was called to order by Presi-
dent ]. NJ. Carey at the hour sche-
duled.
GOVERNORS ADDRESS.
An entertaining address of welcome
was given by Governor Richards, who
briefly reviewed the agricultural his
tory of the state and outlined the work
which the congress might take up OF
special interest to Wyoming. He spoke
of our natural resources, reviewed the
mining situation, the rise and decline
of the open range industry and the
substitution of the granger for the
large stockman. One hundred of the
former now took the place of one OF the
latter, and the change was beneficial.
Irrigation on q small scale has always
been successful, but large Investments
of capital, backed up by scientific skill
and strong hope, had not yet succeeded
in paying a dividend. The reason for
this must be determined by these gath
erings of irrigators. for all the water
of the smaller streams were already ap-
propriated. Land was exceedingly
plentiful. and the water in the larger
streams had yet hardly been touched
The problem was one involving not
only the settlement of the arid west,
but wa some of great interest TO the
more densely populated east, which
must have an outlet for its surplus
population.
Governor Richards address exhibited
a. thorough knowledge of the agricul-
tural problem of the west, and was
heartily applauded.
Responses to the governors address
were made by MeSSrs. Logan OF Ar1-
iona. Professor Churchill and Judge
Emory of Kansas, Allen and Dougher-
ty of Nebraska, DR.. Young OF Utah,
and Mr.. Field of Colorado. These re-
sponses were all witty and entertaining
and furthermore, showed the earnest
ness of purpose which animates the
delegates. Following the responses,
committees on permanent organization
and credentials were appointed, one
from each state represented.
An encouraging feature Of the con-
gress was found in the presence of all
of the officers, as follows:
President. NJ. Carey of Wyoming
Secretary-Mr. Frost of Minnesota.
Assistant Secretary-Mr. McCutch-
con.
Reading Clerk-Mr. Maxson Of Ne
braska-
SENATOR CAREY'S ADDRESS.
A number of important papers were
read during the afternoon session, one
from Senator Carey enlisting close at
tention The senator said:
THE sessions of the national irrlga-
ton congress have left behind them
lasting impressions and far-reaching
benefits. The questions discussed and
the resolutions adopted from time TO
time, have brought prominently before
the peopIe of the United States the arid
ana
their present condition and what is re-
ouired to transform sections now who'll
w or partly sterile and unSightly into
those of productiveness and beauty.
1.-The sessions held and the commit
tees heretofore appointed have not ac-
complished all that could be desired;
vet a great deal has been done. II we
examine the statutes of the United
states. and of the several states inter-
ested. we will find that much useful
legislation has been secured. The files
of the two houses of congress best tell
of the interest now manifested in the
question which directly concerns the
arid states and territories. various
bills have been introduced and conSld-
cred. which directly apply to the trans
Missouri country, many of which pos
cess Great merit. The newspapers and
magazines now give the subjects dis
cussed in the irrigation conventions,
en- - md criticiSs@1-
saThese sessions bring together scten-
fist ,Al..eu engineers, idWmakerS,
practical business men, capitalists, and
the every day farmer and 1rrlgator-
The delegates exchange views, eacn
taking a significant part in the discus
sions of the various questions that II is
difficult to determine who of the dit
farent professions and trades becomes
the most important factor. Each gives
the others the benefit of his experience
and explains his theories, thereby help
ing to build up sound public senti-
ment-
ssWhiIe there has been much to dis
courage. vet, that which has been real
lied in the way of legislation, should
be a sufficient incentive for US to con-
tinue cur efforts.
UNFORTUNATELY, only a comparatively
small number of the people of the
United States comprehends the extent
of that part of the United States which
requires, for successful agricultural
artificial irrigation. If the
arid portions were separated from the
other part of the United States. it
would, in itself, be an empire and would
on the maps of the world appear and
be the much greater territory. The
country which would be benefited bv