Arizona republican., 1900-12-10
VERY IMPORTANT.


 To the Editor of the Repub.ican-Sir: A matter of general concern to all residents of Salt River valley is devel- oping on the FNS. Mcdowell military l reservation.
 large number of Indians and white settlers are occupying the grounds for merly used by the government and us ing the water of the Verde river, which they have diverted for irrigating rur- poses. The use of a portion of this wa ter is probably legitimate, as it's appro- pr.ation ante-dates every other canal system in the valley. But while there is some danger of trespass upon the rights of appropriators of water by the settlement. of these lands at the Me Dowell reservation, the most serious difficulty arises from the fact that the south half of the reservation, about five miles, is included in the most available and practicable site for l system of water storage which will in sure our water supply in future dry seasons.
 Ii this reservation is taken up by settlers and the lands thereon patent ed or even improved to any considera- ble extent, it is apparent to anyone that scheme to store the flood waters of the Verde river must contemplats the purchase of all Improvements and patented lands on the reservation site, at prices which suit the owners. The additional cost of our cherished reser- voir scheme will almost insure its de- feat and multiply the obstacles.
 A few weeks ago the Mcdowell res ervation was examined by order Of the secretary of the interior and a joint report has been made by s. J. Holsing- CT, Esq, and Col Duncan, federal of ficers Of the interior department who were especially detailed for that ser vice. Tine report recommends, So I am informed, tha,t the Mcdowell rcserva- tion be vacated by all settlers and that 1t be renewed as a government reservation. exclusively for Indians. It seems this proposed action is the only feasible plan by which the water storage committee can prevent the ac- quirement Of Intervening rights tha'G cannot he ignored.
 The interior department has already requested the settlers on the reservI- ton to arpraise their improveme doubtless with a view to purchasing the same and carry out the recommenda- tions of the report mentioned.
 I believe it the part of wisdom to en- dorse the report, and urge the secre- tary of the interior to take immediate action to withdraw these lands from public sale or entry, and if the water storage committee will pe.it.on for such action and request 'ioVernor Murphy to cooperate with them while he is in Washington, wc may conclude the af~ fair at once.
 The reason for prompt action lies in the fact that the improvements are being hastened by certain settlers, doubtless with the view Of selling qna same to Uncle Sam.
 There is not sufficient water in the old government Hitch for the peorle now under it. The Jones & Shavcr ditch, of comparatively recent con- struction, carries some four or five hundred inches of water and will doubtless be followed by others if these lands are not settled up.
 An ounce of prevention in chis situa- tion will probably save us great deal of future trouble, and while it may create some difficulty for those who have acquired a residence at NIcDow- ell, it is a fairer remedy to take prompt action. If the matter Is delayed it will increase the difficulties of the bona tide settlers and the cost to the gov- Crnment.
 1 therefore urge the water storage committee to circulate a petition re- questing the secretary of the interior to take immediate action in the prem ises.
 Il may be suggested that if reserved the land could not the be used for res- ervoir purposes, but 1 have assurances from the general land office tfla. every encouragement will be given any rl- tional system of water storage. The department has gone so far as to re- quest the investigation of several pro- posed reservoir sites, with d view of reserving them from entry for reser- VOLT purposes only.
 Yours very respectfully,
 THOS. D. BENNETT.