The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-09-16
GEORGE H. MAXWELL UNFOLDS
PLAN FOR IRRlGATING MON
TANA VALLEY
MILK RIVER WILL BE
TAPPED FOR SUPPLY
A Million Dollars to Be Expended at
Once in Demonstrating the Feasibi-
ity of, Redeemins Arid Lands-suc-
cess of Project Deemed Sure by Ex-
pert.

A number of business men of St.
Paul, members of the National Irri-
ton association and others, yesterday
afternoon at the Chamber of Commerce
listened to a talk on irrigation by
George H. Maxwell. executive chair
man of the association. Mr.. Maxwell
spoke principally on the Milk river
project, and pointed out how the de-
velopment of Montana would directly
benefit st. Paul. Mr.. Maxwell said in
part:
1.-THE. national irrigation law has
opened UP opportunities for us that
before its passage We're only dreams.
With the $10,000,000 that will be avail
able to us within the next two years
we will be able to carry on many extern
sive irrigation developments. The gov
eminent has already begun the move
ment, and is pushing it forward with
all the speed that is possible with the
appropriations that have been made.
There are now six surveying parties
at work in Montana, and they are fast
covering the ground, laying the plans
that will be used in the construction
of reservoirs and canals.
Great Opportunities in Montana.
1--WE are interested in the Milk river
project now, as 1t offers the best be-
ginning. 1t is desirable to select a
section that offers to us a certainty Of
the success of the operations. The re-
suit of the first enterprise is very eS-
Sential, for we must demonstrate that
important results can be attained in
order to be able to carry on the work.
The Milk river valley furnishes us with
such an opportunity.
Montana has been selected as the
starting point, as 1t presents the best
opportunities. The arid regions of the
Southwestern states have not the al
vantages of Montana in having an ac-
cessible water supply. A supply of
water is essential for Irrigation. and
In commencing we must look for good
stream from which we can obtain the
required amount.
THE Milk river flows through val
ley that can be easily irrigated. and the
supply of water for distribution over
the area can be obtained in the high
lands in which it has its source. The
Milk river during the summer months
now becomes very low, and often dries
UP entirely. 1t is therefore necessary
to seek a supply that will be large
enough to fill the bed of the river
throughout the whole year and also
to fill a network of canals and bitches.
Reservoir at st. Mary's Lakes.
We contemplate constructing a res
ervoir at the head of the st. Mary's
lakes. These lakes, in the foothills of
the mountains, will yield the neces-
cor 81
reservoir capable of holding the re-
CURED amount of water, can be filled
during the season of freshets, and dur
Ing the dry season of summer the
water can be distributed over the en-
tire Milk river valley through canals
and bitches. From the reservoir a canal
will be constructed to the Cut Bank
creek, which will serve as a channel to
the Marais river. A ramification of
canals and bitches will then convey the
water over the entire area of the Milk
river basin.
"A million acres of land may in this
manner be reclaimed. The Milk river
valley is bounded by uplands, or
benches which could also be reach
ed, though to reach them would re-
quire machinery. l was surprised at
the fine quality of the soil on these
uplands. The benches will certainly be
uSNoIOPeu iillo Valuable IdrIHlLS cOuH-
try. These great stretches are now used
for cattle ranges but by a system of
irrigation they could be rendered fit for
the cultivation of all kinds of farm
produce.
To Reclaim 100000 Acres.
'1n carrying out the plans for the
reclamation of the Milk river valley the
government will probably be required
to expend about $1,000.000. 1t will rem
der fit for cultivation an area of $780,