The Courier. (Genoa, Nev.) 1899-1904, 1901-03-08

Feb. 10Th, the Reno Journal has cleaned
the substance of debate between
Congressman Newlands and several of
his colleagues. 1t originated with the
reading of the following provision in
the appropriation bill:
'For gauging the streams and deter
mining the water supply of the United
States, and for the investigation of un-
derground currents and artesian wells,
and the preparation of reports upon
the best methods of utilizing the water
resources of said sections, 500, ,000."
Mr.. Newlands. = Mr.. Chairman, |
move to strike out the last word.
wish to make some inquiry regarding
this item. | would like to ask the
gentleman what was the estimate of
of the Department for that work?
Mr. Moo of Massachusetts, One
hundred and seventy three thousand
dollars.
Mr.. Newlands.-I would like to ask
whether the gentleman thinks that
amount is in excess of the require
ments of the Department for this par
ticular work?
Mr.. Moody. = Mr.. Chairman, of
course the Department will do just as
much work on this line as we appro-
pirate money for. Gentlemen come to
the Department and desire surveys
made in different parts of the country,
and basing their estimate upon the de-
sire of individual members, have no
doubt they could expend $l80,0OO if it
was granted.
Mr.. Newlands But the gentleman
thinks S1O0 900 is sufficient?
Mr.. Moody.-Personally, I think it
is more than sufficient.
Mr.. Newlands. Will the gentleman
give his reasons?
Mr.. Moody. = The reasons which
have controlled me in coming to that
opinion are these: We have expended
altogether too much money upon ex-
perimenting with the question of the
reclamation of arid lands, and I would
personally be very glad to stop here
and consider the real question which
by and by we must face.
Mr.. Newlands. The real question
which the gentleman refers to as press
ing for solution is the actual construc-
tion of storage works.
Mr.. Moody.-Yes, but do not want
the gentleman from Nevada to mis-
understand me as indicating that
have expressed an opinion in favor OF
that work, but it is time to stop expert
menting-throwing money away on
experiments.
Mr.. Newlands. = / understand the
gentlemen's view to be this: That the
work of investigation and experiment
should practically end, and that this
question now should be considered by
the Congress of the United States, first,
as to whether or not it proposes to en-
ter upon the construction of storage
reservoirs and hydraulic works for the
purpose of reclaiming arid lands of the
West?
Mr. Moody.-Speaking for myself,
that is my opinion.
Mr.. Newlands.- the gentlemen
state how much has been expended on
these experiments?
Mr.. Moody. - One million, seven
hundred and fifty-ive thousand dol
lars.
Mr.. Newlands. The gentleman is in
favor of taking up a comprehensive
plan of irrigation, or at all events, this
consideration of it. Now, l will ask
the gentleman whether he has framed
his views regarding his own plans?
Mr.. Moody have not; but | look
with great apprehension on the under
taking of the reclamation of the arid
lands. Before entering upon that pro
ject / should like to know with some
degree of exactness where we are going
to land.
Mr.. Newlands. Before the gentle
man proceeds, would like to ask him
question or two. He says we ought
to proceed upon this work with great
care. If that is SO, it means more in.
vestigation instead of actual work.
Now, want to call the gentleman's at.
tention to the following plank in the
! platform of the Democratic party