The Elbert County tribune., 1902-07-31
IRRIGA ALTON PROBLEMS UNDER THE NEW LAW
DISCUSSED BY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER NEWELL


Real Estate Exchange at luncheon
at the headquarters OF the exchange
Monday. Mr.. Newell made n highly
favorable impression. and in the
course of an address OF fifteen min
utes, which he delivered at the close
Of the luncheon, he explained fully
the plans of the government rcpresen-
tatives who will have charge of the
great work OF encouraging the irriga-
ton movement
He declared that in his opinion pri-
ority OF water high Is not the right
that ultimately is to decide where the
water shall go. In his opinion. the
necessities OF settlers who came along
after the pioneers broke the ground
shonld be borne in mind and future
judgments will give to the newcomers
share OF the water which flows from
the mountains.
Mfr. Newell spoke concerning the
Importance OF the people of Colorado
standing together In the selection of
location for the application Of the
money which is first to be expended
by the government In this state. He
said that after location, agreeable TO
the people. has been selected and the
officers OF the survey have passed
fayorably upon 1t. he hoped that unnn-
unity would prevail and the work
could then be carried forward without
Interruption.
He explained the meaning and OPP
Grafton of the law recently passed by
Congress, and showed that each Of the
states is TO receive 81 per cent. of
tile money paid into the treasury from
the sale OF arid lands. the remaining
percentage going TO such locations as
the bureau at Washington may decide
to be most practical The money Is
all 10 be returned to the treasury and
will he used over again many times
II the movement proves the success
that is anticipated.
There were forty-fivc members OF the
exchange present at the luncheon and
every man was introduced TO the dis
tinguished guest In the absence of
the president In the East #. j. Cham
berlin presided. unanimous vote of
thanks was rendered MIR. Newell for
his clear and satisfactory exposition
of the subject. and confidence was ex-
pressed In his ability and fairness.
Mr. Newell answered all questions
without hesitation and showed himself
to be master of the situation. In the
course Of his remarks he dwelt upon
the Importance of united action in
Colorado. as many other states also
are Interested In the storage of water.
and Colorado should receive her share
of the benefits. lie desired farmers
and competing water companies to
settle their disputes ms the govern
meni takes no part In the litigation
over water rights and Will not enter
a field where important rights are In
dispute. These questions should be
settled in districts where government
aid is sought. Mr. Newell says 10
per cent OF the land in Colorado Is
at present non-productlve. and this
state presents most encouraging Held
for water storage.
In his address Mr.. Newell referred
to the magnificent work Of the United
Stntes senators and congressman and
the National Irrigation Association, Of
which Thomas +. Walsh of Colorado
is the president. and who has assist
% materially in pushing irrigation
work ut Washington. He also re-
ferred in complimentary way 10
George H. Maxwell, executive chair
man of the National irrigation Asso-
citation. and of his work among the
business men OF thc East In favor OF
the irrigation bill.
Mr.. Newell said that from the begin
ming President Roosevelt has taken n
lively interest In the proposed irriga-
tlon legislation. and referred TO CON
versations he has had. In which the
President has insisted In his direct wny
upon the fact that national irrigation
work must he upon business basis In
all respects. The secretary of the In
terror is at the head OF the work, next
in authority being Director wolcott of
tho geological survey.
rrha peoIopicnl s1Irypy has been con-
ducting experiments for many years
and has been outside of political infiu-
ences, during its entire history having
had only three directors. the first be
ing Clarence King, who was succeeded
by Major Powell. who was followed
Inter by the present director. @. ID.
Wolcott Mr.. Newell made II clear
during the entire course of his remarks
that the work of Investigations would
he conducted thoroughly. and that the
Idea was To get full information CON
cerning reservoir sites and irrigation
works proposed, and that all proposi-
tions would be carefully considered
and then submitted to Independent
independent criticism by the most com
retent irrigation engineers in the coun-
try before being submitted by the geo
logical survey with Its recommcndn-
lions; then the most feasible projects
would he recommended. the main idea
being to have the first work under
taken prove to be a success, and to be
sure that the cost OF the work would
be repaid.
Concerning particular locations OF
works on the South Platte, for In
stance, he believed the people OF the
districts affected should get together
and submit the advantages of the pnr-
ticular projects and secure an adjust
ment OF difficulties concerning water
rights, etc, In order that the depart
ment need not he drawn Into local dis
putes. His personal idea was that In
submitting reports OF projects which
had been examined and surveyed that
wherever 1t was considered at nil prob