The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-07-26

md data submitted numbered at the
most only 1900 souls the surprise was
wen greater, especially when he sup !
it with the statement that
he sum OF $4,000 was paid out an.
aually for labor to work the ranches
and farms. In order to be thoroughly
lair and consistent, Nj. O'Donnell did
not figure in the profits Of about $40O,-
900 made on sheep, cattle and
horses which have the benefit Of the
open range, which is still to be had
here, but allowed that sum to stand to
the credit of the range.
Having laid his foundation, as an
attorney would say, Mr.. O'Donnell
next spoke Of the indirect benefits
this area Of irrigated land had proved
to others than those directly bene-
fitted, by citing the prosperous and
thrifty condition Of the city Of Billings,
which forms the center Of the district.
He said that the city's assessed valua-
ton was s. 100000 and that it's prin-
cipal source of revenue was derived
from the trade growing out Of the
agricultural district which had been
made possible by irrigation. He said
it was true that during a short time
each year when the wool shipping
season is at it's height, the city has the
benefit Of other sources of trade, but
the fact remained, nevertheless. that
it was the farming and allied indus
tries made possible by the large sec
ton of irrigated land that was the
mainstay Of the city.
From the very nature Of the figures
and data he submitted Mr.. O'Donnen
of necessity had to speak principally
Of Billings and the Yellowstone val
ley, but this did not prevent him from
putting in a good word for the state at
large. Taking Official figures as the
basis, he showed that while some OF
the other western states possessed
more land and occupied larger places
on the maps. Montana has more land
capable Of irrigation and more water
with which to irrigate 1t than any OF
the other states in the arid regions.
It is an old saying that no evil ex-
lists but what compensation also ex-
lists in some place or in some form, and
Mr.. O'Donnell comes back converted
to belief in the t%ruthfulness Of the
adage. Prior to the present year 1t haa
been noticeable that the delegates
from Colorado never were very earn
est in their efforts to enlist govern
ment aid in the matter OF irrigation
. and while they did not antagonize tn
proposition, never took special pain
to further the movement OF storag'
t reservoirs constructed by the nationa
4 government. The reason for this ha
been the excellent system OF irrigatio'
which the state possesses and whic
is the property of individuals and con
~panies. They have changed from
however, and at the meeting of whic
n this article treats were among tn
b foremost to move resolutions calm
d upon the national congress for aid an
n assistance in a project which hereto
fore has never received more tina
their passive support. The reason fc
s. 1t ii, that the long continued and e:
# ~cessive drouths in Colorado and tn
.. southwest generally have resulted !
n many cases in bitches and the stream
If feeding them drying up and deprlvin
le immense areas Of the water whic
formerly was at their command. tt
n same may be said Of the delegate
n from Nebraska, South and North ID
i. kota, Kansas and the other states c
,s this side Of the Missouri river, all
whom have become strong supporte'
at Of government construction and supe
m vision.
10 An Oklahoma delegate, named Lee
IN is, introduced a resolution to petite
ed congress for an appropriation to da
RI coulees, draws and arroyas for Il
Of purpose Of making Of them small re
he ervoirs for the use Of farmers in ar
he regions and also for the bene1ci
of effects such accumulations Of waite
Ia, would have upon the atmosphere
ed being conclusive to greater moistu
a and consequent greater precipitatic
mt The idea suggested was a new or
lily but after the mover of the resoluti
ne, had thoroughly explained his obje
ort and satisfied the meeting Of it's fea
ne. bility the resolution was adopted,
nd was another for the construction