Bisbee daily review., 1903-11-12
UNDER GROUND WATERS OF GIL A RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION.

ri"GH INDIAN RESERVATION.
 An interesting sequel to what mighr
 be called tribal hegira is contained In the statement that Professor Willis
 T. Lee. hydrographer, has been sent by the United States geological survey to make a detailed investigation oi the underground water resources oi the Gila River Indian Reservation and to ascertain the areas in which the waters may be obtained for the use of the Indians.
 It is nov seventeen years since the Pimas and the Maricopas were forced to begin their struggle for actual existence, and year by year their con- dition has become more pitiabie. From being a prosperous, independ- ent, peaceful people they have De- come a starving, Ihieving, vagabond race. The change began in 1886 with the construction of the Florence canal and was later con tinued by the diversion of water for the Mormon farms farther up the riyer-projects that from their incep- ton met with earnest opposition on the part of the friends of the Indians.
 From time immemorial the Pimas and their blood brothers, the Papagas, had been irrigators. Long be- fore the white man saw this land, their arrow-weed-thatcned wickiups had dotted. the green river bottoms. Here one generation after another had planted and harvested their wheat and corn, their sorgum and pumpkins, had woven .heir blankets and baskets, had fashioned thelr earthenware ollas, and pursued the arts of peace and industry untroubled by fears Of drought and famine. The days work done, they were used to while away the evening hours with a pleasant game of gingskoot.
 When the white man came they were proud to be his friend. Never did they join with those restless tribes whose feelings expressed them selves in war paint; never were their hands stained with the white mans blood. On the contrary, they made common cause with the white man against the Apache Abount a cent ury ago they were joined by the Mar icopas, fugitives from the Yumas, who, like themselves. were an indus trious, peace-lovipg people.
 In 1889 the IrdIac5 dwelling along the banks of the Gi.a river and de pendent on its lands for sustenance numbered about 6000. Their troubles were then already upon them. The diversion of their water supply ruined their crops and made their lands worthless. Their homes were aband- oned and they themselves became outlaws. Year after year the Indian agent was moved to plead their cause with the government. me result is 1 that they are now wards of the na- tion. But 10 yearly stipend could | recompense an independent people | for the loss of their ancestral lands. | It will indeed be good news to them | that their valley may be made yerdant | again and their homes thus restored to them. From preliminary exami. | nation that has already been made | it has been ascertained that extensive areas are underiain by sands and gravels containing ar abundance of . water which can be pumped to the | surface. Further investigation is to be made as to the extent and volume of this water in various portions Of the reservation. It is expected that electrical power will soon be availa- ble for pumping, and by this means considerable land can be brought un- der cultivation by the Indians.