The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-12-04

In the ara states the only flShJ 10 Wd~
ter which should be recognized is that
of use. In irrigation this right should
attach to the land reclaimed and be in
separable therefrom. Granting perpetual
water rights to others than users, with
out compensation to the public, is open TO
all the objections which apply to giving
away perpetual franchises to the public
utilities of cities A few of the Western
States have already recognized this, and
have incorporated in their constitutions
the doctrine of perpetual State ownership
Of water.
The benefits which have followed the
unaided development of the past justify
the Nations aid and cooperation in the
more difficult and important work yet to
be accomplished. Laws so vitality affect
ing homes as those which control the
water supply will only be effective when
they have the sanction of the irrigators;
reforms can only be final and satisfac-
tory when they come through the enlight-
ment of the people most concerned. The
larger development which national aid
insures should, however, awaken in every
arid State the determination to make it's
irrigation system equal in justice and ef-
fectiveness that of any country in the
civilized world. Nothing could be more
unwise than for Isolated communities to
continue to learn everything experiment
ally, instead Of profting by what is al
ready known elsewhere We are deal
ing with new and momentous question,
in the pregnant years while institutions
are forming, and what we do will affect
not only the present but future genera
lions.
Our aim should be not simply to reclaim
the largest area of land and
provide homes for the largest
number of people, but to create for
new industry the best possible social and
industrial conditions: and this requires
that we not only understand the existing
situation, but avail ourselves of the best
experience of the time in the solution of
its problems. A careful study should be
made, both by the Nation and the State.
OF the irrigation laws and conditions
here and abroad. Ultimately it will prob
ably be necessary for the Nation to CO.
operate with the several arid States in
proportion as these States by their Legs.
lation and administration show thcm
selves fit to receive it.
Hawaii and Porto Rio.
In Hawaii our aim must be to develop
the territory on the traditional Amer-
can lines. We do not wish region of
large estates titled by cheap labor; we
wish a healthy American community Of
men who themselves till the farms they
own. All our legislation for the islands
should be shaped with this end in view;
the well-being Of the average home
maker must afford the true test of the
healthy development of the islands. The
land policy should be nearly as possible
be modelled on our homestead system.
1t is pleasure to say that it is hardly
more necessary to report as to Porto Rico
than as to any State or Territory within
our continental limits The island is
thriving as never before, and it is being
administered efficiently and honestly. It's
people are now enjoying liberty and or
der under the protection of the United
States, and upon this fact we congratu
late them and ourselves. Their material
welfare must be carefully and jealously
considered as the welfare Of any other
portion of the county. We have given
them the great gift of free access for
their products to the markets of the Uni
ted States / ask the attention of he
Congress to the need of legislation con-
corning the public lands of Porto Rico.
Cuban Independence.
In Cuba such progress has been made
toward putting the independent gov
eminent of the island upon a firm foct-
ing that before the present session OF
the Congress closes this will be an ac-
complished fact. Cuba will then start as
her own mistress and to the beautiful
Queen of the Antilles, as she unfolds
this new page of her destiny, we extend
our heartiest greetings and good wishes.
Elsewhere | have discussed the question
of reciprocity In the case OF Cuba, how
ever, there are weighty reasons of moral
ity and of national interest why the
policy should be held to have peculiar
application, and i most earnestly ask
your attention to the wisdom, indeed to
the vital need, of providing for substan-
tial reduction in the tariff duties on Gu
ban imports into the United States. Cuba
has in her constitution affirmed what we
desired, that she should stand, in inter.
matters, in closer and more
friendly relations with us than with any
other power; and we are bound by every
of honor and expediency
to pass commercial measures in the in
terest of her material well being.
Government in the Philippines.
In the Philippines our problem is lar
ger. They are very rich tropical islands.
inhabited by many varying tribes, rep
resentng stages of progress toward civil
lization. Our earnest effort is to help
these people upward along the stony and
difficult path that leads to selfgovern-
ment. We hope to make our admins
tration of the islands honorable to orr
nation by making it, Of the
highest benefit to the Filipino
themselves; and as an earnest
of what we intend to do. we point to
what we have done Already a greater
measure of material prosperity and OF
governmental honesty and efficiency has
been attained in the Philippines than
ever before in their history.
1t is no light task for a nation to
achieve the temperamental qualities
without which the institutions Of free
government are but an empty mockery.
Our people are successfully governing
themselves, because for more than
thousands years they have been slowly
fitting themselves, sometimes conscious
ly, sometimes unconsciously toward
this end. What has taken us thirty