The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-09-27

resolution of coincidence upon the death
of National Lecturer Emery Of Kan
sas, who has died since the last meet
mously adopted.
Water Right Problems.
Hon. Elwood Mead, superintendent
of the federal bureau of irrigation in
Wyoming, read an interesting paper
on Water Right Problems. This i'm
portant subject received splendid con-
sideration from Mr. Mead. whose long
experience as a specialist in these ques-
tions rendered him able to discuss the
question knowingly. Mr.. Mead out
lined the growth and development of
the water right problem, and showed
its importance. He illustrated the
knotty points that have arisen, and
pointed out the dangers that threaten.
Suggestions were made as to remedies
of existing evils, and valuable out
lines presented of legislation that would
work the reform that is so much
needed.
Judge Stillwell of Arizona. upon re-
quest of several delegates, continued
the discussion of the water right prob
lem, especially in it's relation to the
work of the irrigating congress.
Through the congress Judge Stillwell
said the necessity of reforms can be
brought to the attention of the federal
lawmakers. Judge Stillwell spoke
briefly in favor of Washington, d. c.,
as the next meeting place. In closing,
the judge referred pleasantly to the re-
suits of irrigation that he had seen
since coming to Montana.
George Fl. Maxwell spoke briefly
upon the solution of these difficulties.
Mr.. Maxwell said that the remedy is
easy. States must not legislate in con-
f1lct with the federal land laws. The
appropriation of water must be placed
on a level with the riparian owner.
the actual use of water must be the
basis of rights. Spectators must be
barred The tiller of the soil is the
man who is entitled Ato the uAe of
water.
How It's Done in Wyoming.
State Engineer Bond of Wyoming pre-
sented paper upon Irrigation in
Wyoming" He set forth the method
followed in Wyoming. In obtaining
water rights. the Wyoming law is re-
garded generally as a model, ard its
explanation was of much interest to
the delegates.
State Engineer Wilson of Nebra ska
followed with an interesting paper
upon the irrigation laws and practices
of his state. Mr. Wilson is one of the
leading advocates of state control of
water, and in his paper he gave much
credit and high praise to the wyo-
ming laws and the men who execute
them. He regretted that Nebraska's
constitution did not permit the adop-
tion in full of Wyoming laws, but said
that the state has gone as far as pos
sible along these lines. The solution of
the water right problem, according to
Mr.. Wilson, lies in the creation Of an
interstate commission which will have
power to regulate the opportionment of
water in an equitable and just man.
ner.
Following Mr.. Wilson, D. X. Ross,
state engineer of Idaho, read sections
of Idahos water laws. and commented
on them in an interesting manner. He
said that the people of Idaho had a
pride in their law, and explained 1t in
full. At the conclusion of Mr.. Ross
the congress adjourned till
evening.
Nj. Cannon's Remarks.
The evening session opened with a
delightful selection by the Nordlca
quartette. Hon. 7. l.. Cannon, secre-
airy of the st. Louis Manufacturers
association, was then introduced by DR..
Young, and held the audience for 20
Mr.. Cannon began by say
ing that, as an individual, he has no
interest in irrigation. His state does
not need irrigation; but on the broad
plane of public good and, justice TO ALL
he had the same interest in this sub
ject that he had in the advancement of
all public interests.
'"The appropriation of money for irri-
cation is as much a necessity as it is
for the Improvement of rivers and har-
bors. Tho congressman must under
stand that when he spends public
money he spends your money, and YOU
are entitled TO some of its bensfits.
Private capital cannot accomplish this
great work of reclamation. States can
not do it, as states. The authority and
the funds for this work must come
from federal sources. This cause is
Just. You must work to convince con-
sress that it is Not by threats, but
by presenting the cause in it's true
light. Tho railway land grants were
the first assistance that was rendered
These were Justly bestowed and re-
suited in the beginning of the develop
nent of great country. Every dollar
that is expended in building storage
reservoirs and irrigating canals will
carry on this DEVELOPMENT and will be
a hundred fold.
IF it was right to spend millions in
harbor; If it was right to pay
$40. 900, 600 for the Philippines-my God,
Is it not right to spend money for the
of the vast empire of arid
America? asked Mr.. Cannon. Con-
tinuing. he said that it is convincing
facts that must be presented to the con-
gressmen. 1t is not what irrigation viii
DO, but what it has done-that must be
shown them. The next meeting of this
congress should be held where it will
be shown to the people of the East what
has been done. Instead of having eX-
hibits up here in the mountains, send
them where they will be seen by the