The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-12-01
REEDER FOR IRRIGATION
Sixth District Congressman Demand
ina Water Cure.


Sixth District Congressman Demand
ing Water Cure.
Washington, D. G, Nov. 30.-Represen-
tative w a Reeder OF the Sixth Kansas
congressional district has arrived in
Washington. Since his arrival, the last
few DAYS Mr.. Reeder has been in almost
constant conference with the western
congressman, who are matchmaking
their forces in a determined manner in
the interests % efecting some substan-
tisl legislation for irrigation Of the west
In an interview with the correspondent
Mr. Reeder SAID that many issues of ma
tional importance would come up at the
coming session Of congress. He declared
himself deeply interested in seeing that
legislation strong enough to eradicate an
arohy from our country be enacted. Il
also hope TO see TIE bin Of the Isthmian
canal passed. said the Sixth district rep
resentative, but I hardly think there
should be much concern as 10 possible
opposition of these measures. 1 am hear
thy in favor Of the reciprocity treaties
and believe there should be no general
revision of our tariff laws.
Personally, I shall bend my best en-
ersies toward securing legislation upon
a question in which the west is deeply
interested. and which 1 believe should
command the attention of the entire
country. I refer TO the irrigation of the
vast tracts Of arid and semi-srid lands
Of our western country. This is a para
placing it on IT'S proper footing. I am
mount question with the people from the
win continue to be one Of the greatest
problems OF the future that win have
many strong adherents in the west and
opposition in the east before it comes
to poinc wnere congress will enact laws
very hopeful that much viii be acorn
plished at least at this session."
Mr.. Reeder declared that one only had
TO reflect upon the fact that an army
of homeseelers failed to secure lands in
the recent drawing Of lands in Oklahoma
to realize that there are q multitude OF
people now n the various states who are
in need of homes that might be found for
millions Of settlers il the arid sections
were reclaimed by irrigation Continuing
he said: Practically all OF the govern
ment land upon which the annual rainfall
Is sufficient 10 produce good crops has
been settled. so that the advice of Horace
Greeley to Co West. young man. and
grow up with the country does not bear
the significance nowadays that it did
when the great states of Illinois. Iowa
and Missouri and other western states
were waiting fer their fertile lands with
seasonable rains. to invite the settlers to
a home whereon he could gain a pleasant
and profitable living.
we must meet this demand for homes
that comes from our rapidly growing
population hv solving the problem OF ir-
riGation and opening to settlement almost
an empire in extent. of what is now prac-
ticaHy a barren wilderness. but which
districts are possible 10 bring under a
high state OF cultivation and provide
homes for these millions. For this rea-
son il follows that the question Of irriga-
ton is one OF national importance"
Nir. Reeder declared that the west was
never before in as coed a position as at
the present time to ask for sUbstan-
tlal assistance from the government in
this matter He saiG.
THE situation is this. the west Is solid
for it The states along TIE Mississippi
that We propose 10 imp0und in mountain
reservoirs Tor use IN dry seasons. conse-
quontiy they VIII heartily join our forces
in fayoring and lighting fer legislation
aIong this iine-
..The east is where We expect opposi-
ton. at least II some extent; vet the in
telHgent people of that section realize
this 10 be question. the solving az which
VIII add millions 10 our national wealth.
The irrigation advocates VIII be organ
izej in d stronger force in this coagrcss
than ever before. The oppSsition formerly
fel- BY the people OF the cost a. reclaim
snc our Grid lands seem % haye been
largely s1pTiauted by desire 20 assist
in passing suggested legislation especially
Tho sranufacturers realize tbat the mar
Kct forused by western settlers x ruch
to any market We could reas-
oaahiy hone 10 ooJain from other sources.
Another shire ahy tie west has rca-
son 10 feel encouraged IN the matter of
this issue Is Tor The fact that President
has expressed 3 friendliaess
t5wsrI rbe question He has practical
knowledge Of conditions that obtain IN
the west and his residence in that section
rlass hini familiar with tle vast possibil-
.ties Of develorment IN chat direction Il
is authorativeIy stated that the presi-
dent viii enbody IN MS forthcoming mes
sage 10 congress a reeosnr2endaticu fo-
am anpropriation shat VIII tend 10 bring
this issue a. & EoiEt OF realisation.
Representative Reoder is looked upon
in co-sress rs one Of highest authority
ia matters pertaining e. irrigation re
is the second sasmhcr iU position in III
iouse committee en- irrlsltioE % aria
lands ana vas. toward the elose ~ LAST
session selected az chairman Of q sub
comm lftee appointed 70 frar8e an amend :
cd bin Tor tais v0r1. which VIII be taken
gp by this -oreress.
lie VIII cen unoa tl,a president touar- (
row 10 Glscuss i-rigaticH matters and /
When alag Edward vi Travelled /
through Amorica ss The France Of Wales !