The record-union., 1898-09-02
National Congress Meets in Annual
Session at Cheyenne.
indications Point to a Large and Success
full Convention.
President Carey Delivers an Inter-
esting Address Before the Con-
gress on Artificial Irrigation
Vast Regions Which Gould be
Made Most Productive.


CHEYENNE CWyo.), Sept. LATTER
intermittent showers all night last
might, which We're greatly needed, this
morning the sun rose clear and the at
mosphere was beaming and cool, such
as Cheyenne usually offers for the
pleasure of visitors. Delegates to the
National Irrigation Congress continue
to come in, but the bulk of them ar
rived this afternoon and tonight. In
dications all point to very successful
meeting. Cheyenne's pretty little OPP
era-house is tastefully decorated with
the products of irrigation in Wyoming,
bundles of cut corn, sheaves of grain
of all kinds, and vegetable products of
irrigation being profusely used in the
decorations of the auditorium and the
stage.
1t was learned this morning that a
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 stated.
PRESIDENT CAREY SAID:
The sessions of the National Irriga-
tion 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 people Of the United States the arid
and sub-arid portions of the country,
their present conditions and what is
required to transform sections now
wholly or partly sterile and unsightly
into those of productiveness and
beauty.
The sessions held and the commit
tees heretofore appointed have not ac-
complished all that could be desired
yet great deal has been done If 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 consid-
cred, which directly apply to the trans
Missouri country, many OF which pos
magazines now give the subjects dis
cussed in the irrigation congress space
and criticism.
These sessions bring the scientists.
skilled engineers, lawmakers, practical
business men, capitalists and the every
day farmer and irrigator. The dele
gates exchange views, each taking a
significant part in the deliberations,
and each is SO necessary to the others
in the discussion Of various questions,
that it is difficult to determine who of
the different professions and trades be-
comes the most important factor. Each
gives the others the benefit of his ex-
perienee and explains his theories,
thereby helping to build up a sound
public sentiment.
While there has been much to dis
courage, yet that which has been rec
commended IN the way of legislation
should be a sufficient incentive for us
to renew our efforts. Unfortunately
only q comparatively small number OF
the people Of the United States compre-
hends the extent of that part of the
United States which requires, for sue
cessful agricultural pursuits, artificial
irrigation. If the arid portions We're
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 by artificial irrigation in the
growing crops is no less than 1,S0C
miles from east to west and 200 miles
from north TO south. This great area
could be divided into nearly forty politi-
cal divisions. each of which would be
Of the size Of the Empire State
Approximately, three-fifths of the
territory Of the United States, exclusive
Of Alaska, is directly interested in the
subjects which this congress will con-
slider. To the people living west of the
Missouri River these questions, of all
questions, are the most important
Seventeen States and Territories are
now asking: How can we best reclaim
our arid lands and make them capable
of supporting the increasing popula-
ton? What legislation, national and
State, 1t requires? 1t would be inappro-
pirate for me at this time to go into
details. / am happy to know that there
are those here who will ably and elo-
quently present every phase of these
questions. None will doubt that these
questions must be met by Congress and
the several States interested must con-
tribute much legislation.
'The General Government is interest
ed in a material way, for the reason
that II owns most Of the land in the
arid country and under the existing
settlement laws it will be many. many
wears before 1t can parcel out these
lands to actual settlers. The policy OF
the nation has been, and wise has been