The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-08-15

supply, people had extended their
fields so that the area requiring ir-
rigation jumped from something
over 1000 acres under the Phyllis
the previous year to upwards of
1000 acres for this year. A short
age was inevitable. After making
due allowance for bad distribution,
1 growing out of inexperieace, un-
| preparedness and misfortune, it is
clear that at root the scarcity of
this year is attributal to lack of
canal capacity. The TRIBUNE
most sincerely sympathizes with
the people in the unfortunate con-
dition which has brought to them
serious loss in crops and otherwise,
and may admit that there has been
considerable measure of bad man
agement, out we seriously question
the advisability of seeking redress
in litigation. We believe that every
possible remedy can be secured
without resorting to that extremity,
and that nothing but expense and
vexation of spirit will come out of
proceedings at law We believe
it is claimed that the Directors do
not give sufficient heed to certain
demands of the people. In sense
this may be true to degree. But
let us look at the record. Last
year, Mr.. William March of Mid
dleton was employed as superinten-
dent, and soon came from certain
sources complaint of his incompe-
tency, and from other sources criti-
cism of the board because it had
not delegated to him sufficient
authority. In consequence of the
popular clamor, Mr.. March resigned,
and Mr.. Schenck was engaged. In
less than ten days similar complaint
was registered against him, but the
board was criticised for giving him
too much authority. He was obliged
to retire before the close of the irri-
CATION season. This spring came
from all quarters a demand for
man of experience, schooled in the
methods of Mr.. Bloomfield. Mr..
James seemed to fulfill all the re-
quirements and was engaged.
Now, again, comes a clamor for
change. The Directors may, in
measure, be excused if they don't
know just exactly what they should
do. A short time ago formal COM
plant was made against Mr.. w. J.
Marsh, one of the watermasters,
and he was severely and solemnly
arraigned for incompetency by one
element, at the same time another
element, within Mr.. Marsh's divi-
sion, insisted and continue to pro-
test that he is an excellent water
master. Mr.. Marsh was driven to
quit precipitously, and declares he
would not serve again in the same
capacity for any consideration.
Mr.. Fans was appointed to succeed
him, and already he is being vio-
lently complained against. These
facts, as may we'll be seen, compIi-
cate the situation dreadfully and it
is not to be wondered at if the Dir
ectors scarcely know which way to
turn. The fundamental cause of
these complaints, lies no doubt in
the distress and anxiety of the peo-
pie suffered in consequence of an
insufficient water supply. Litiga-
ton cannot remove this fundamental
cause. Nothing will ever do it but
an increase of water, and we would
earnestly urge people to direct all
their efforts to removing the funda-
mental cause by uniting to enlarge
and perfect the canal systems. Even
If great blame attaches to officers of
the district we are at loss to know
where suit at law can work the
of securing blameless and
intallible officers. But much NAV
be done by full, free and frank dis
Let us counsel together
instead of quarreling. THE TR1B-
UNE would be glad to have every
phase of the question presented in
its columns, and hopes there may
be thorough discussion before 1iti-
cation is resorted to, when, if it
appears that the courts offer the
best means of redress for wrongs
suffered, let's all get in together,
and settle in court such questions
as we cannot settle among ourselves.