Bismarck daily tribune., 1903-06-17
Especial Correspondence.)


attitude of Colombia on the canal
question and that preliminary de-
tails are being discussed regarding
the opening of negotiations with Mica
ragua and Costa Rica looking to &C
quiring rights there for canal con-
struction. 1t may take the actual
opening of preliminary arrangements
for the Nicaragua route to bring the
Colombians to their senses and to the
realization of the fact that they are
toying dangerously with proposition
pregnant with greater benefit to them
selves than anything which will proba-
bly, ever again come within their
reach.
Probably the most discussed pOliti-
cal question among national leaders
is the next republican chairmanship.
Mr.. Roosevelt will name the chair
man, a privilege aways accorded the
presidential nominee. 1t is believed
that the president has his own views,
which will be expressed at the proper
time, although he has given no inti-
nation as yet on the subject. Sena-
tor Quay has been mentioned promi-
nently in this connection. Many peo-
pie think that Senator Hanna would
make as energetic and effective a
campaign for Roosevelt as he did for
Mckinley although in view of his at
titude on the Ohio endorsement ques-
ton, there is little doubt that he will
| be prompt, when the time comes, to
| indicate to the president his willing
| ness if not desire to step down and
| out
Governor Taft has called down upon
| himself nothing but praise from the
| American press for his last report
! given out by the war department
That the Philippine civil government
is in the hands of man whose only
concern is the best accomplishment
of the task committed to him has al
ready become the settled conviction
:. of the people of the United States.
Senator Pats of New York. tall
with the president included, it is un
derstood. a reference to the chairman
ship of the national committee during
the coming presidential campaign. N
intimation. however, has been re
ceived as to whether the presiden
has committed himself in any way a
to the man who he desires to manag
his campaign.
The acquisition of Louisiana Terr
tory is generally credited to Thoma
Jefferson. The fact is that the pun
chase of this vast territory was al
ranged fer without Jefferson's know
edge by Livingstone and Monroe, VIII
had been sent to treat with Napoleon
for an entirely different purpose. JET
great reluctance stating that in buying
the land he had exceeded his powers
as a strict constructionist of the con
stitution.
If the eastern slope of the Rocky
Mountains and the great plains ant
valleys Included in its drainage area
were irrigated. as it is claimed by gov
ernment engineers is possible, i. q. B
million acres. this side of the Rockies
! &, h. 70
flood of the Missouri would be largely
spread out over this vast area to wa
ter growing crops.
During the past week the Missis
sippi at St. Louis has been over sever
feet above the danger line and -,
question has been asked, with some
what of scorn, whether any reservoirs
which might be constructed at th'
head waters of this river, and its trib
utaries could possibly appreciably di
minish such vast food.
The mere building of reservoir
probably could not, but such resei
voirs, particularly aong the Missouri
and its tributaries. which flow through
an arid country. woud mealn irrigd
tipn-the irrigation, according to tn
government estimates, OF betwee
thirty and forty million acres of desei
and semi-desert lands Suppose thirt
: million acres of land would be Absorb
) ing immense volumes of the presei
= flow of the Missouri During Ma
r and June the water for these lant
:, would be drawn directly from the flo'
:, flow of the Missouri and its tribut
ID ries: in July and August, when the
II. rivers are reduced in volume the st
age reservoirs would be drawn up