The Arizona sentinel., 1904-05-25
Judge Kibbey on Govt. Irrigation.

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 The address of Judge Joseph H. Kib
 bey at Elks' hall last Saturday after
 noon was replete with eloquence and
 information--eloquent with prophetic
 allusions to the future of this city and
 valley under the revivifying influences
 Of government irrigation, and timely
 and interesting because of the informa-
 tion conveyed to his hearers making plain the status of the water users in
 relation to the government and their
 rights with reference to acquiring
 present canal properties. Near the close of his address Judge Kibbey hay
 ing invited queries from any one in his audience, Judge H. c. Davis asked
 what provision had been or would be made for taking care of the canal com panies now operating. Some wordy sparring followed this interrogation, the gist Of the speakers rejOinders establishing the point that the govern ment would have nothing whatever to do with this matter, the requirement of ditches or any part of canal property was left entirely in the hands of the Water Users Association. Further the said that neither the association nor the government is compelled to buy anything. or course where ditch could be utilized and secured at cost not in excess of the government cost, the association would be willing to pay for the same, but under no circum- stances would an exorbitant figure be paid for any canal property now in ex- istence. In case such property was actually necessary in the construction of the government system and no agree ment as to terms of purchase could be reached, the association would be em- powered to condemn the same and take it at its legally appraised value.
 Some one in the audience having re- marked that he did not believe the government would coniscate property, Judge Kibbey replied that that was true; but pointed out that it might build an irrigation system and go to serving water to the patrons of present companies. In other words, the gov ernment's position is that it has the right to enter the irrigation field as competitor, just the same as private c0rporation.> The speaker compared gOvernment'S position here with the Santa Fe railroad company in it's rela- tion to a narrow gauge railroad that used to run into Prescott from the north. The Santa Fe offered to buy the little road at reasonable figure, but the n. g. wanted about six ciphers placed to the right of the amount be- fore accepting. The result was that the Santa Fe built line from Ash Fork and the occupation of the little jim crow road was gone and it's tracks were torn up.
 It must be understood, however, that it is the decided policy of the Water Users Association to be fair and just in dealing with the canal companies Wherever their property can be util- ized it will be bought and paid for at q fair price. No property will be con- fiscated and no unfair means will be re. sorted to in dealing with the canal companies. The policy of the associa- tion is for peace and the early comple- tiou of the government system. To provoke antagonisIn would be to hinder and postpone the work. Anything that will retard is to be avoided
 1t is understood that Judge Kibbey is to be the consulting attorney of the Water. Users Association. Having given the legal questions involved much study and Investigation, his ser vices will be of value in the way of ad- vice or counsel when desired by Fred l.. Ingraham, the associations regular attorney.