Arizona republican., 1900-07-21
One Point on Which There Is
 No Division
Interviews With We'll Known Citi- zens on the Subject of County Encouragement of Water stor- age Enterprise.

about it on the streets and in offices and while more or less variety of views were expressed as to the details of bond issue all were agreed that the county was face to face with a condition which must be overcome if the valley is to make any further pro- gress or even hold its own. They agree that a storage system had become an absolute necessity. The experience of the present season had destroyed con- fidence in any other system and even if there should be no drouth next year, CT the year after, that confidence could not be revived. There would always be the overhanging possibility of the re- petition of the summer season of 1900 in which the farmers lost a million dollars.
 The taxable valuation of property in Maricopa county has for some years been increasing by a yearly average of something less than a million. Last year the county's wealth was more than $9,OOO,OO This year there will not only be no increase, but evidently consid- erable falling off. The deficiency is wholly caused by the shortage of water. In the small matter of cantaloupeS whose growth for the shipping trade is not more than two years old, therefwil be a loss estimated at from $30 0d0 to $40, ,OOO -
 The joy felt and renewed confidence on account of the rain yesterday morn ing only illustrates the need of a per- manent water supply. The confidence of yesterday by reason of rain which has come too late to be of the greatest benefit is not marker to the perma- nent confidence in a water supply which must always be adequate.
 Among the taxpayers interviewed yesterday was L. L. Plank "The peo- pie of the valley should get together. . said he, and urge the issuance of the bonds if by that means we can encour- age reservoir construction. The cost need not be considered, for there can be no cost. Though the county might not realize a cent from the preferred stock received in exchange, it would still be great gainer. We have lost in the present season about twice as much as the amount of the proposed bond issue. This loss has not fallen upon the farm CTS alone, but indirectly upon every taxpayer in the county
 J. L. B. Alexander said no objection could be raised against a bond issue, provided the interest of the county in the reservoir could be secured. but on second thought, MT. Alexander said: 'The county could afford to give s5Oa. .OOO outright if a permanent water supply can be secured. We have to have it or quit business. Another season like this would be the end"
 Frank T. Alkire said: q am in favor nGf n inc |. storage reservoir. I would like to see the county in control of one and I would be willing to give s10 an acre on my land, or $5,6OO, toward its construc- ton. l have not thought much about bonding proposition. but We have got to do something quickly"
 Judge A. c. Baker: An objection might be entertained against an issu- ance of bonds for this purpose as smacking of the county aid given by Kansas and Missouri some years ago to encourage railroad construction. But water is the life of this valley and we know now we haven't enough of it. I believe that under the present condi- tions we have reached the limit of our growth and have nothing to look for ward to except permanent water sup ply
 l am sorry" said Dr. J. M. Swet- nam, T have not had time. since read ing The Republicans suggestion, to give the proposition the thought it's importance demands. Tha water oues ton is a most vital one to the people of this valley, and any feasible plan 10 increase, permanently, our water sup ply should be encouraged. The value of every interest here depends in great measure upon the supply of water without water for irrigating purposes the valley again becomes a desert: with an adequate supply every acre of til- lable land can be made to pay fair in- terest on valuation of $500. can soc nothing obJectionable to the proposi- tion of The Republican to bond the county for half million, but the inter- est or the taxpayers should in no par- ticular be lost sight of. The proposition should be so hedged in by safeguards as to insure the supply of water and to absolutely guarantee to every water consumer all the water he pays for"
 MT. Charles Goldman, whose interests in the valley, both from an agricultural and commercial standpoint, none can question, was asked for an expression or opinion on the bond proposition. T certainly favor it." he replied. If any thing can be done in the matter it will be good thing for the county. The in creased valuation which will follow the construction of a reservoir will vastly more than pay the interest on the bonds, and something has got to be done"
 MT. Frank L. Criswell one of the largest stock growers In the valley said: 'I am naturally a little afraid of bonding schemes, but We have got to do something. Without storage We have no guarantee of a permanent irrigation system. We have got to get together and do something. I don't know the best method but I do know that the losses in this valley from water short age during the last three years would about pay for the building of a reser- voir. The question of bonds naturally scares the farmers. but if the reser-