Arizona republican., 1900-12-21


 last fiscal year. Some FOR THE day the San Carlos res
 PIMAS crvoir will be estab-
 lshed by the govern ment. Its accomplishment is a recog- nized necessity for the welfare of the deserving Pimas. This reservoir is their salvation. Without it they must inevitably become nomads, probably thieves. Arizona's present delegate, Gen Wilson has done some good Work in behalf of the construction of this reservoir, as have the varioRs Indian Rights association. It is a matter of time only when water vii be conserved at this admirable site, and when this is done not only the Pfmas and Papagoes, but the whites As well. will be en- riched:
 The matter of the proper water sup ply fcr/the Pima Indians on the Gila River/ reserva tion in Arizona has re- ceiyed much attention. When the lands epound the reservation were sparsely >/settled, the Indians could obtain suf- ficient supply of water to irrigate enough of the reservation to raise crops for their support. As the country set tied up, the water in the river was ap- propriated by the settlers above the reservation, so that during the last few years the river has been almost dry on the reservation during the irri- gation season.
 Proper legal proceedings to stop the diversion of water from the Indians have. been taken: they are, however, only entitled to SO much of the waters of the river as they have been accus- toned to use, and this amount It has been found impossible to determine.
 The result of an investigation of the water supply, made under the direction of the geological survey, showed that there was no method of obtaining a sufficient supply of water, except by the construction of fam and reser- tS Toir at sGmG 9ioD point ths river above The estimate for the entire work, in- cluding damages for right of way and diversion dam at the head of the Flor ence canal, was $1.03S.9 .926 The reser- voir is estimated to be of sufficient ca pacity to irrigate 100000 acres in addi- tion to the lands of the Indians. As the value of a water right is not less than BIO per acre in Arizona. the value of the lands reclaimed. in addition to the Indian lands, would be equal to the proposed appropriation.
 During the last session Of congress, a bill, (H. B. 373S) to authorize the con- structiOn of a reservoir near San Car los to provide water for irrigating Sac aton reservation and for ether purpos- es was introduced and favorably re- ported upon by the apartment; but failed to become a law. An approprl- ation, however was made of $30.000 for khe temporary supF-rt of the Indians of the Pima agency. Steps were immedi- ately taken ito ascertain the extent of the Restitution of these Indians. Tenn porary aid has been afforded them, and seeds for planting. to enable them to supply crops next season, have been furnished; and means for supplying water for irrigating a Ttlrtion of the lands of the reservation are now un- der discussion
 These Indians have heretofore been self-supporting, and if provided with a sufficient water supply can without doubt support themselves in comfort with no pecuniary assistance from the government; otherwise it is likely that appropriations for their support must be continued indefinitely