The Tucson citizen., 1902-07-02
NATIONAL IRRIGATION PLAN.

! Although the policy of national irri-
CATION has been decided upon. there
are still objections being put forward
against it. even when surrounded by
ample safeguards. At Republican
Congressional convention held in Mas
sachusetts few days ago, the candi-
date for Congress had this to say on
the question of reclaiming the arid
lands
/ 1t is the most insolent attempt at
larceny that have ever seen embodied
in a legislative proposition. 1t pro-
vides for the giving away of an empire
in order that private property may he
made valuable. 1t is a opposition to
spend vast millions OF dollars in order
that the present owners shall have
their lands reclaimed at public charge.
From the outset there has prevailed
an organized effort to make the re-
clamation OF the public lands medium
for the advancement of the interests OF
groups of spectators and politicians.
The view embodied in the Massachu
setts mans speech embodies the most
plausible plea put forward by those
opposed to the intervention of the ma
tional government in the undertaking.
While there is no doubt this will ap-
peal to many who are on principle op-
posed to the government aiding In un-
dertakings promotive of the interests
of individuals. it really has no founda-
ticn whatever
No great public undertaking has been
more carefully safeguarded The an
swer to the objection urged in the ex-
tract above quoted is that it is impos-
sible to construct the irrigation works
provided for without resulting benefits
to land already taken up and in the
ownership of individuals. And in
most cases these individuals have
shown themselves entitled to consid-
Grafton by having established their
homes in the arid region and devoting
themselves to its redemption and cul-
tivation long before the government
thought of acting. Besides all this, it
should be remembered that those set
tiers will. like those who enter under
the homestead laws. be called upon 10
pay their share of the expense of the
irrigation works.
1t is gratifying 10 observe that the
influences of politics and speculation
are being apparently carefully guarded
against in the operation of the law.
1t is now authoritatively stated that
the law will be carried out by the Inte-
rior Department directly through the
geological survey. The chief of the
photographic bureau. Mr. Frederick H.
Newell, will have immediate charge of
the irrigation, and he is concededly
well equipped both in knowledge and
experience. for the great work to he
done.
The people generally should ac-
1''''' 'h'ihHVlNtS VIII lhe provisions
or the act 1t is designed so as to save
the vast area Of cnltivable land which
1t affects for the use of actual settlers
me familiar trick of the cattle barons
and OF the land monopolists of having
straw men file under the homestead
law Nn their interest. is guarded
against by the requirement that five
years of actual residence on the land e
necessary before title can be had. It
also provides specifically against the
granting of water rights to non
residents of the land.
There are few. if any, opportunities
now left for settlement on government
land in the humid regions. This Law
VIII bring some 40,0OO,0OG acres of the
nnest land in the world under curfiva-
tlon, and the American citizen who
wants to get practically a free home |
VIII have himself to blame If he does
not avail himself of the opportunity
"hlrh the law will give him.
--O--
An Ohio court has found that IN nor.
ni'' Mayor Tom L. johnson to give the
people of Cleveland nons