Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-04-28
IMPORTANT ON IRRIGATION,


IMPORTANT ON IRRIGATION,
We publish today some particulars OF
the proposed establishment OF a stor-
age reservoir under the provisions OF
the national irrigation law, in the Salt
River valley, Arizona. The copy Of the
article was kindly furnished to us by
Hon. f. S. Richards, who is now on his
way from this city to Washington, d.
c., as attorney representing the Irriga-
ton Commission appointed by Cover
nor Heber M. Wells under the act OF
the Utah Legislature for the purpose
OF obtaining for this State a portion of
the government funds under the federal
irrigation law. 1t appeared recently in
the San Francisco Call, as correspond
ence from Phoenix, Arizona.
The news Of the decision Of the secre-
tary Of the Interior has occasioned
much rejoicing In Arizona, and the pro-
ject viii greatly benefit our people in
the Salt River valley. II is Of very
great Importance to Utah and especial
" 10 the people in this vicinity, as II
indicates what may be accomplished
here II the proper steps are taken in the
desired direction. The great point in
this connection is. the Secretary of the
Interior holds, that under the law Of
June II, 1902, the government can treat
with an organization representing q
number OF individuals possessing water
rights, so as to secure the repayment
of the funds advanced for the construc-
ton Of the reservoir and the proper dis
tribution OF the water for their use and
benefit.
The closing paragraph Of the report
Is so important. as applicable to the
case Of water users in this and adjacent
counties, that We copy It here, as fol-
lows;
I'm regard to the case Of the Salt
River valley, where there are several
thousand owners OF small tracts who
desire 20 be supplied with water under
the terms OF the law. and In other sim
liar cases, II is clearly essential to In
sure unity Of purpose and to secure best
results that such owners unite In an
organization which win act as agent for
the individuals, IL is also essential that
such organizations, as a whole. guaran-
tee that the payments be made and
that the strongest possible security be
given the government for the faithful
performance Of contracts which may be
made
This essential provision is exactly
that which has been held and main
tanned by the chief promoters OF the
Utah lake proposition. It should be
pondered by every water-user in this
county and other places who has held
out against union with the other par
ties interested. All persons and COM
panies desiring the benefits OF the law,
must unite in an organization which
win be recognized by the government
as their agent. And II must be able to
guarantee and give acceptable security
for the repayment Of the money ad-
vanced, and the performance OF all con-
tracts that may be entered into with
the government
A contemporary, in commenting
On the subject recently. spoke OF
he retention OF patents by the govern
nent as security for such payments.
This Is not applicable to the situation In
Utah, The patents for land here were
ssued long ago and therefore cannot be
withheld" Nor mus, the owners be re-
CURED to give mortgages thereon. Ar
-angements can be made as 20 accept
able security In other ways, and these
Fan be formulated when the necessary
organization has been effected
The visit Of Attorney Richards &c
washington is most opportune, in view
y the particulars set forth in the news
rom Arizona. lie Is thoroughly famil.
sr with every phase Of the water CUES
Ion here, and will BE- able TO take W
ne matter in its legal aspect, aud learr
What can be done, so as 10 secure FOL
al who are interested in the Utah lak'
proposition the benefits that have beer
inder consideration for long time,
One thing is placed beyond doubt. ant
hat Is. the unity for which ne with
,thers has contended Is an essential fea,
ure OF this movement That is wha
We desire our friends in this county par
iculsrly to consider grayely. dispas
donately and with a view TO the gen
raj welfare. Can any Of them affort
o stand in the way Of project pF3mis