The Arizona sentinel., 1902-01-22
Somerton Siftings.
SoMERTON, ARIz., Jan. 20, 1902

Dear Sentinel:
 Your worthy editor has repeatedly as ed fer some contribution from oul locality, and as often we have promised to grant the request; but for reason: too numerous and varied to name, we have deferred con pliance until the present. Even now we are too busy with other matters to give you the time necessary to the discharge of the duty; but feeling that very many read. CTS of your valued paper would be in. terested in the .'handful of things" en. gazing our attention, will devote a few minutes to the general veal and let the people know what is transpirirg
 First, our people are enjoying the pioneer experience incident to all new countries-clearing up the virgin soil in which to plant crops; building hous- es,4fencing more fields, visiting those of their number who need social com fort: helping in the bearing of burdens too grievous to be borne by individuals; augmenting in all reasonable ways the joys that fall in the pathway of fortu- nate members of the community. In short, doubt if more ideal commu- nity exist than is found at Somerton.
 You will not ask why these -condi- tions obtain at Somerton more than elsewhere, but strangers may, You know the facts, the high moral senti- ment Of the people, their energy and enterprise along lines that lead to righteousness in daily life, attract to their community only such as are in S! mpathy with right doing. @.
 While I may have shown measure of selfshness in this ancomium upon Somerton, urge that selfshness is a human weakness and affiicts the human race. I am member of it, and to cen vince you of the fact that am broad in my appreciation of human virtue, 1 will apply all I have bestowed upon the good people of Somerton to the brave pioneers of the entire valley.
 I doubt if like community can be found in the entire western country; one that will compare in intellig ence and industry. To tell of their achieve ments in home building and general industrial enterprises during the three years that mark their advent into the wilderness of the Colorado valley would be to chronicle an incredulous story. Their chief aim has been to reclaim the valley from its desert condition and supply it with the only lacking element water. To this end the whole people have been working-while with naked hands they grappled with the giant problem they have, by perseverance, cordial. persistent effort, accomplished the wonderful achievement. Tonight the farmers mutual water company, the Yuma Valley Union Land and Water Company, has more than fifty miles of main lire and water supply laterals in successful operation, carry ing water to thousands of acres of the m' st fertile soil on the continent, lying south of the city of Yuma.
 The permanent heading of this com pany is located within the city limits of Yuma, within the Fort Y una reserva- tion: To properly construct this head ing, the company has purchased huge Barnhart steam shovel and fifty thOus- and feet of lumber and is now pushing to completion a wonderful machine with which to excavate its heading. 10 feet deep and 50 feet wide on the. bot tom. Within sixty days permanent supply of water, capable of watering ?, ,0JJ acres of land, will be turned from the Colorado river into the head ing of this company. Other industries are engaging the attention of our I.eo- pie. The Irrigation, Land and Im- provement Company is pursuing a sim liar project. Stock-raising is claiming the early attention of some of our best people, and many herdsof fine cattle and hogs can be found throughout the valley.
 know I am getting this communica- t:Cn too long, and will desist.
 REIMONT