Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1899-03-01

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neither useful for cultivation nor pasture
and the rainfall is so very light that
there is not sufficient moisture to furnish
irrigation The senator doubtless had
reference to irrigation as performed on
a limited scale, and favored a plan that
would induce the government to take up
the work on a large scale and accomp-
fish something of real benefit in addition
to the regular Investigations.
"The secretary of agriculture realizes
the benefits that will accrue to the
farmers of the west by a thorough in
vestigation of the many complex prob
lens acquired in the distribution and
application of water for the irrigation
of the arid regions, as well as the mar
velous results to be achieved by a proper
understanding of the relations of moist
ure to plant life and the application OF
water as a fertilizer, in all sections of
the country, and his interest in the
work will doubtless strengthen the posi-
ton taken by those who are endeavor-
ing to secure legislation favorable to
their particular sections of the country.
estate Engineer Mead, of Wyoming,
who is working with Senator Warren,
speaks Of the complications arising from
local supervision of irrigation in the fol-
lowing language: No amount OF in
dustry and skill on the part of the hus-
bandman will bring a satisfactory return
unless with it there goes effective and
Just control of the stream from which he
and others draw their common supply.
In this matter the individual is helpless.
His success depends upon his obtaining
his proper share of the water supply,
and this does not rest on his efforts,
but on proper administrative regula-
tions. Our lack of knowledge of these
facts and the comparative rapidity of
our development have caused the
use of water to outrun the laws to
govern its economical use or just dis
position. As a result, irrigated farms
are threatened with controversies
and litigation which, if not averted,
must prove disastrous. During the
past ten years the litigation in Colorado
over water rights has cost over 81 200, DOC.
In Montana, six cases have gone to the
supreme court to decide what consti-
tutes a water right, or appropriation OF
water, and it is still as much a subject
of controversy as when the litigation
began. There is need of systematic
investigation to determine the volume
of water used in the growth of crops,
both to determine the requirements of
different crops and Of different climates,
and to determine the relation between
the variations in the demands of crops
and the fluctuations in the flow of
streams.
New Mexico is keeping pace with the
Investigations elsewhere. and our agri-
cultural college and sub-stations are do
ing very effective work along these
lines. Their Investigations show the
utility of storage reservoirs and the part
that they can be made to perform in
saving the crops of farmers now along
the streams, and making it possible for
others to settle along irrigation canals.
There is very little knowledge available
about the variations of water used in
irrigation during the irrigation season
and the %huctuation relative to the dis
charges of the different streams. In
only three states has there been any de-
termination of the water actually used
in irrigation, and these are not consld-
cred conclusive.
''It is probable that exhaustive re-
search will be INDUCED in by the depart
ment of agriculture before the arid re-
gions are afforded relief. The investi-
cation will include the collection of
literature and new observations over a
broad field. II calls for an intimate ac-
quaintance with the region where irri-
cation is chiefly practiced and the final
report will principally hinge on whether
the soil, by successive irrigation, will
become ~impregnated with water to
such an extent that a large portion of
the fluid will flow back into the streams
and regulate the supply of the middle
states and of navigable rivers. The
work of the department will not be
confined to any particular section. but
will be beneficial to all regions where
irrigation is deemed indispensable for
the reclamation of arid lands.
''The states have heretofore adopted
different methods for handling the irri-
cation question and the efforts of the
department will tend to amalgamate all
plans ii use and benefit all sections
alike. In some states corporations have
been given entire charge of streams in
order to secure the building of irrigation
canals to divert their waters, and that
Il the proposition previously advocated
for Colorado and Wyoming, before New
Mexico, Arizona, California and Mon
Jana, asked for similar relief. In other
regions, the bitches are under private
ownership. but the water Is under pub
ic control, thus laying matters open to
litigation. In still other locali-
lies, the states or local governments are
declared absolute owners of the irriga-
lion system and the maintenance of the
same is provided for by general or local
,aXation.
Until recently there has been no
opportunity to gain congressional aid,
because there has been no specific plan
outlined by the states and territories
leeding irrigation. Now it seems that
here is a door open which Will at least
end to secure proper official investiga-
ion ever if it does not succeed in i'm
nediately diverting a portion of the
liver and haroor appropriation to the
egions which cannot boast of harbors
II navigable rivers. The ultimate re-
ults of the Investigations, which will
doubtless be amply provided for by con-
,ressional appropriation, will be to
how that the arid west is alive to the
reeds of the region and will appreciate
icing taken care of al much as do the
of the flood regions. | am in
avor Of concerted action OF the part
+ the states and territories which need
,ssistance in irrigation matters, and
sill heartily assist anything that seems
pplicable to the situation"
Tho arriur Months.