Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-02-26
THE IRRIGATION CONVENTION

THE IRRIGATION CONVENTION.
The convention commenced today in
the Assembly Hall Is very important
gathering Of practical men Interested
IN the development Of the intermoun-
tain region. rhe people Of Salt Lake
City bid them welcome. AZ other inter
ests of the State depend largely upon
the agricultural interest and agrcul.
lure cannot be successfully conducted
IN this part Of the country without r.
rigation, the chief subject before the
convention Is clearly Of the most vital
Importance II should be grayely con-
fidered in all lts aspects
The members OF the convention are
oil busy men, no doubt But II is nee
essary that they shall take sufficient
time in their deliberations to discuss
ut least the principal branches OF the
subject before them Increase in the
water supply, its storage and conserva-
ton, its economical distribution. pre-
ventlon of waste through over rrga-
ton and other causes the legal estab-
ishment Of existing rights, the differ
mt quantities OF water necessary for
various Kinds Of soil and Of crops, The
rights aud powers Of canal companies
and corporations, the control OF streams
by municipalities, government aid for
the redemption OF the arid lands. and
kindred topics come within the scope
Dl the important assembly convened
today
Utah mas been leader in the utilzo-
ton Of natural streams for rigatng
purposes It's early methods were
edapted to conditions existing when
these valleys We're first settled. The
cooperative spirit OF the coonIzprs en-
tered into an their Industrial arrange
ments Al men were brothers, or at
least neighbors and friends. and they
worked together for mutual advantage.
Tne companies that were formed for
the Beneficial use OF the scanty streams
flowing from the mountains, were i'm
iued with this fraternal spirit Of unity.
and the object in view was the com
mon good
The situation has gradually changed.
Population has greatly increased lands
thoaght TO be worthless have been
brought under cultivation. the water
supply has been wonderfully amphned.
individual interests have grown up, aud
selfishness has very naturally crept into.
the owners of land depending on lrrga-
tion for profitable working Nv cry inch
CT irigatlng fluid Is valuable, and
titles to its use should be- as secure
rs that TO real estate Ownership
of water in fee simple cannot be
established. It's reasonable use for
beneficial purposes. ls that which the
law If expected to secure TO the indl-
vldual or company acquiring rights for
that purpose. This consideration raises
many questions for serious consIdera-
ton and II Is TO be hoped that the
convention now assembled win be able
TO formulate some practical recommen.
datlons, for general compliance and for
such legislation as may become neces
sary
In order to obtain action by Congress
m the direction required, public sunti.
ment IN the East and Information on
the subject to guide that sentiment are
necessary by action and light from ths
West. Every convention held. and
every publication Of particulars bearing
ON this important matter, win have its
weight in bringing to bear that pres.
sure upon the legislators Of our nation
which will be required to produce the
wished for effect
We believe the gentlemen who have
been called together 10 deliberate on
these questions win give the subject
their best attention. and that good H,ll
result from their meeting We regrc,
that the names Of some Of our leading
citizens who have been prominent for
many years in irrigation affairs and are
thoroughly acquainted with an IT'S de-
tails. legally and practically, and not IN
cluded In the list ~ delegates How
ever, those who have 'een appointed 10
attend are competent and able represent
tatives Of the Industrial interests Of this
region. and we look for beneficial re-
sui.g from the convention.