The silver state. [volume] (Unionville, Nev.) 1870-1903, 1902-07-23
NEWLANDS INTERVIEWED.
Gives His Views on the Work OF Congress and
of Nevada Politics.

day, was interviewed by a representative
of the Journal. The reporter carried
Mr. Newlands over the entire range of
measures of the last Congress-both
those relating to Nevada and those of
a general character.
AS to the irrigation bill, Mr.. Newlands
said that there seemed to be a mistaken
impression on the part Of some that the
Secretary of the Interior could only ex-
pend in Nevada the receipts from the
sales of public lands in this State, and
that as these amounted to only about
$1,000 annually, Nevada would get little
benefit from the law.
This is a mistake. The bill creates
one redemption fund for thirteen States
and territories. being the States and ter
ritories west of the Dakotas. Nebraska.
included. The receipts from all these
States amount to about 5000, 900 annu-
the fund this years as well as last years
receipts the moneys now in the fund
reach at least s500O.0O0. AS lands are
brought into reclamation and sold for
the cost of reclamation, this fund will
increase until 1t reaches 100000 or more
annually. So that In the next thirty
years 1t is altogether likely that $3.50, ,O0o-
900 will be available for irrigation works.
OF these moneys the Secretary has the
power to expend a fraction less than
one-half anywhere in the arid region
that he sees it. He could spend all of
1t in Nevada or any other State or ter
ritory If he chose. The other half he
could spend temporarily, for period of
ten years, subject to the condition that
at least half of the proceeds of public
lands In each State and territory should
be within each period of ten years ex-
pended In irrigation works therein. This
was intended to prevent the Secretary
from absolutely negleeting the irrigation
Interests OF any OF the States or terri
tories affected, but the bin is so elastic
as to facilitate work where it is most
needed"
As to the place in this State where
work would be commenced and when.
Mr.. Newlands said:
Il am unable to say. The Geological
Survey has its surveys OF the Truckee.
Carson and Humboldt further along than
those of any other valleys. / have also
requested 1t to take up the study of the
Walker river and the Muddy and Vir-
gin rivers in Lincoln county. / have had
talks with the Secretary OF the Interior,
the Director of the Geological Survey
and the Chief photographer on the sub
ject of early work in Nevada. but they
have not all the information necessary
at present. After the plans are fully
prepared they will be submitted to a
board of the best hydraulic engineers of
the country. Their purpose is to do
thorough work and work that will be
far-reaching in its benefit They feel
any hasty judgment. l am also in
clined to think. however. that as their
anort., Dc ton
in Nevada than elsewhere. that Nevada
WILDE one of the earliest benehciaries
of this great measure"
AS to the war claims, Mr.. Newlands
said that the omnibus claims bill referred
them for adjustment to the Treasury De-
partment which had the right. If it saw
fit, to take the opinion of the Court of
Claims. He was in hopes. however, that
they would be adjusted without further
delay.
What is your opinion in regard to
Nevada politics?' was asked
Well" replied Mr.. Newlands, II have
no doubt of a fusion victory The ad-
ministration of the present State gov
ernment has been economical. business
like and satisfactory. From all whom
/ have seen and from numerous letters
which / have received the sentiment
seems unanimous In favor of the fusion
of the Silver and Democratic forces In
this State. OF course everything will
depend on a good State ticket. | trust