The Globe-republican., 1901-12-19
NATIONAL IRRIGATION.


It is needless to say that Western
Kansas does not come under the
proposition contained in the Presi-
dents message or the Secretary of the
Interiors report on the subject of ir-
rigation, retaining of Grid Ian DIS
and the preservation of forests. This
part Of the continent is within the
proposition made by the President
In considering the plan of storing
the waters at the head of streams in
ths mountains it will be necessary to
consider also the smaller streams and
rivulets, and preservation of The
waste water flow by means of dams
and reservoirs on the plains The
diversion and with holding of waters
of the larger streams Will necessitate
the withholding of all waste waters.
This will bring the lands in Eastern
Colorado and Western Kansas within
the scope of the meaning of the
Presidents suggestion We believe
this view must be generally admitted.
1t cannot be accepted that one por
ton of the country is to be ben Gifted
at the expense of the other.
Inexpensive and simple methods
can provide for irrigation in this part
of the country. The preservation of
waste waters alone, by means of dams
at the the foot of principal draws, will
give ample means for system of
sub-irrig alton which will be profita-
bic to tillers of the soil and render
practically useful a large extent of
lands. The resultant benefits will be
found in increased humidity and d.
versified precipitation. The Nation
al Irrigati Association has taken
hold of this national irrigation move
ment and through their efforts much
popular information has been given
on this irrigation proposition. Pres
ident Walsh of tho National Irrigation
Association says, from inform alton
which he possesses and has obtained
from United States government en-
gineers, she is convinced that there
are no insurmountable diff culties in
the way of successful construction
and operation of natural reservoirs to
irrigate national OF government
lands" And the practical results to
be obtained from such system is
beyond reasonable calculation.
The objection to national irrigation
is by few members of Congress. who
can see no benefit to their own States,
but look with envy to the benefit
others may derive from it. This
short sightedness will not prevail
when the good to the general well
fare is considered.
The rapidly increasing population
and the need for homes demands
something from the national govern
ment.
Mr.. Walsh says: IF all the water
in the arid region which, in flooded
and utilized, a productive territory
capable of supporting 10000. 900 peo-
pie will be added to the United States.
From business point of view, the
| settling of what is now worthless
desert will add enormously to the
wealth of the country; it will open
| up new markets for every manufac-
tured article; it Will benefit every
workshop, loom, and foundry between
furnish homes for the over-crowded
population of our congested cities.
Every portion of the United States
will feel the stimulus of the increased
wealth created and of the new mar
kets formed right in the midst of our
country with our own people For
this reason every portion of our land
| is equally interested in having the
work started and pushed to a success
full conclusion. Appropriations could
be made for say six reservoirs These
could be laid out and finished under
the supervision of officers of the gov
eminent, and, if necessary, their sue
cess proven before undertaking
others.
! SaYed At Graves Brink.