Arizona republican., 1904-09-27
Judge Parker Raises a Grave
 Question.


 The west will not take kindly to that portion Of Judge Parker's letter of ac- ceptance which deals with the nation al irrigation law. While inferentially taking a position mildly friendly to the reclamation of the arid west, Judge Parker sounds a distinct warning to the effect that if he is placed at the head of the government there will be a strict construction of the irrigation law on constitutional lines. He warns the country-and his letter is address ed to the doubtful eastern states, or course-that under republican policies the federal treasury may eventually relieve the settlers who have obligat- ed themselves to pay for the govern ment reservoirs. That we may not be accused of dealing with this exceeding ly grave subject unfairly, we reproduce in full from yesterdays Republican all that Judge Parker says on this topic:
 "A vast expanse of country in the west, portions of which are to be found in each of the sixteen states and terri tories mentioned in the law, is directly affected by the national statute-the outcome of intelligent and persistent efforts of leading citizens providing for the reclamation of the arid lands for the benefit of the homseekers. During the years of the development of the measure which finally received the vote of every member Of the upper house of congress, it encountered oppO- sition based to a large extent upon the view that the aim of its promoters was to secure the benefits of irrigation to private owners at government expense. The aim of the statute is, however, to enable this vast territory to reclaim its arid lands without calling upon the taxpayers of the country at large to pay for it. Whether the purpose of the bill will be fully accomplished must de- pend in a large measure upon the abil- ity, sobriety of judgment independ- ence and honesty of the officers of the interior department having this great work in charge. In 1903 the main ca nals and ditches iu the region affected aggregated more than 59,CO0 miles and the work of reclamation is but in its infancy. The total cost of construction of the necessary head gates, dams main canals. ditches, reservoirs and pumping stations was at that time a little over ninety-three millions of dol lars. which of itself suggests the hun dreds of millions that may eventually be invested in the territory covered by the statute. The magnitude of it's con- ception and the enormous expense it's carrying out involves makes us realize the overshadowing importance of a broad, capable and honest administra- tion of the work authorized by the sta tute if effect is to be given to that part of the plan that relieves the country at large from ultimate liability"
 There is no mistaking Judge Park CTS meaning, on this question. at least. Should disaster befan any district which had obligated itself to refund the cost of a reservoir-shouId some situation arise which would make it right and just to call upon the govern ment to stand part of the expense which had been ineurred-any appeal on that line addressed to a democratic administration would fall upon the ears of a cold and unfriendly president.
 It Is not too much to say that the very policy of national irrigation would be in danger of abandonment were Judge Parker and his sympathizers in power. Among all the hobbies to which the democracy has adhered it has clung, and it clings. tenaciousIy to the doctrine that there must be a strict construction" of the constitution where the expenditure of public moneys is involved. No matter if the country has outgrown all the conditions that could be imagined by the fathers; no matter how clearly it is for the general good that the government should take some great work in hand at the ex- pense of the federal treasury-the dem ocratic doctrine is that the government has no power to use the public money for any purpose but the payment of the governments actual and necessary running expenses.
 Should Judge Parker be elected the contention would be quickly and viz orously urged by the enemies of na- tional irrigation that the government cannot legally use the public money for the construction of reservoirs and