The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-06-13
Large Support of Demo
Gratis and Republicans
Assured.
Mr.. NEVLlNDS' iCTIVE WORK
Eli Advocated in Speech Yesterday by
Representative Mondell - Constitu
tionality and Feasibility Attacked By
Mr.. Ray.


was begun yesterday in the House. The
measure has already passed the Senate
and it is confidently predicted that
it will have a comfortable majority.
in the House, despite the opposition of
certain Eastern members. With few
exceptions, the bill has the support of
all the Democrats and large number
of Republicans. The members of the
minority were brought into lire for the
bill chiefly through the efforts OF Rep
resentative Newlands, the ranking
Democratic member of the committee
on irrigation, who has been very active
in behalf of the proposition and instru-
mental in having the bill brought up
fer consideration in the House. Inc
measure does not call for an appropria-
ton from the public treasury for the
work, but provides that the proceeds
from the sale of public lands shall be
devoted to building dams for the stor-
age of waste water, and the construc-
ton of main canals.
Made a Special Order.
After disposing of small amount OF
routine business, Representative Dal-
zell. from the Committee on Rules. re-
rortsd a resolution making the irriga-
ton bill n special order for consldesa-
ton under general debate yesterday,
and under the five-minute rule today.
The adoption of the rule was opposed
by Mr.. Robinson Dem, Ind), who
criticised the Democratic Congress
sional committee for giving its indorse-
ment to the measure. He declared that
he committee had exceeded its juris-
diction. The rule was supported by Mr.
Underwood Dem. Ala.), Mr.. Shafroth
Dem. COLI, and Mr. Newlands dem,
New. 1t was adopted without divi-
sion. During the course OF the day the
passage of the bill was advocated by
Messrs. Mondell rep, Wyo), Tongue
CRep., Ore), Shallenberger lDem.,
Neb.). and was opposed by Mr.. Ray
Rep.. n. y, who argued that the
measure was unconstitutional.
Mr.. Mendell's Views.
Mr. Mondell was the first speaker
He covered the subject of irrigation
from a historical and practical stand
point. showing that it was supported b.
the declarations OF all political parties
in national conventions. The operations
by the bill would be car
ried on by the Secretary of the Interior
acting for the Government as large
land owner and proprietor. While the
bill would, it was confidently expected,
furnish a sufficient sum to construct the
large irrigation works required in the
arid region. it was not expected or con-
templated that the works constructed by
the Government should include anything
but reservoirs and the main canals. 1t
was hoped that the bill would produce
a fund of two to two and one-half
millions a year at first. gradually In
creasing, resulting in thirty years in
the irrigation of twenty millions of
acres directly through the agency CT
works constructed by the National Gov
through private enterprise. Said Mr.. |
in conclusion: 1.-The plan pre- !
5ented for the prosecution of the work |
IS a simple one, imposes no dollar of
taxation upon any American citizen. rec |
1gnizes the dual character OF our Gov |
and invites no conflict of au-
.hority; provides businesslike method |
Ior the accomplishment of great under
.akngs. and maintains the American |
nrinciule of small farms under water |
lights ample and secure. No nation con- |
'ronted with an imperative duty of far |
Importance. the fulfillment of |
which promises to add so much to its |
strength and dignity. has had presented |
o 1t a solution so simple with such |
promise of successful outcome"
Mr.. Ray (Rep.. n. V, who with Mr.
Jenkins rep. Wis.,, dissentcd from the
recommendation of the Committee on
irrigation Of Arid Lands. attacked the