CanÌƒon City record. [volume] (CanÌƒon City, Colo.) 1883-192?, 1904-10-06
Dreamed They Fathered National Irrigation, but
Facts Show 1t Was Only Dream.
TRUE HISTORY OF REPUBLICAN MEASURE
Federal Aid to Irrigation Originated with
Republican Administration Fifteen
Years Ago-RooseveIts Per-
sonal Triumph.

The Democratic party would have the
usiritiated believe that it Is responsible
for all good things. Where it could not
be successfully contradicted within
given time, would not hesitate to
claim the credit for the Decalogue, the
Christian era, the discovery of America,
the Declnration of independence, the ad-
ministIs,tions of Washington and Lin
coin, the construction of the Panama
canal, or, in fact. any old thing.
The Democratic press now has the
hardihood to openly assert that the party
of negation and calamity is responsible
for the National Irrigation Act. In
keeping with the traditional revelations
of its notorious "hindsight" it has dis
covered that this same National IrriSn-
tion Act of President Roosevelt's is cal
culated to add new industrial empire
to the Unitei States. 1t would fain give
this the "me-too" accent, but it is too
hate. What are the recorded facts7
Let History Speak.
The irst move on the part of the fed
eral government to reclaim the arid West
began as far back as 1889. under Presi-
don't Harrison's Republican administra-
ton, when q bill was passed by Congress
authorizing an investigation of this SUBJ
5ect with view Of ascertaining to what
extent the arid regions of the United
States can be benefited by irrigation.
This bill appropriated 100000 for topo-
graphical surveys for the fiscal year end
ing June 80. 1850. The money was to
be used under the direction of Major
Powell, the then head of the geological
survey.
The work was placed under the snper-
vision of the Secretary OF the Interior.
and Major Powell was directed to make,
his report as early MS possible. Upon
his report and rhc recommendations OF
the Secretary of the Interior. the $780,
600 was supplemented by an additional
appropriation OF s25O,O00 by the passage
of an act for the further investigation
of the arid regions. committee of
Senators was appointed to visit the arid
regions of the different Western States
and territories, during the summer of
1880. 1t completed its work of investi-
gation and made its report after having
travelled 12,0O0 miles and having been on
the road 6fty days.
Republicans Lead the Why.
The Republican national convention
held in Philadelphia in June, 1900. re-
ferred to irrigation in the national plat
form as follows: "In further pursuance
of the constant policy of the Republican
party to provide free homes on the pub
lie domain we recommend adequate Ma
cional legislation to reclaim the Grid
lands of the United States, preserving
the control of the distribution of water
for irrigation to the respective States
and territories" The Democrats, OF
course, Initiating and following the lead
Of the Republican party in all matters
OF pNGress, adopted the following plank
In their platform at Kansas City in July.
1900: I'VE favor an intelligent system
OF improving the arid land Of the West.
storing rlse waters for the purpose of
Irrigation and the holding Of such lands
for actual settlers"
Roosevelt Prime Mover.
IN his message to the Fifty-seventh
Congress- President Roosevelt clearly and
vigorously urged the enactment of legis-
lRtion in aid Of development by irrigation
of the great arid portions of our coun-
try. Encouraged by the Presidents
earnest and vigorous recommendation.
the members of both branches of Con-
grcss from the arid and semi-nrid States
met In the early days of the session, APP
pointed a committee of one from each of
the said States and territories. with SEN
ator Warren of Wyoming, Republican.
as chairman, for the purpose of drafting
an irrigation measure.
This committee Abored earnestly md
faithfully. and finally presented to the
Iul representation ITOHl ING w eSt II
which was accepted by them. introduced
in the Senate by Senator Hansbroush.
Q Republican. and In the House by Rep
xcsentaiye Ncwlands, which bill, with
subsequent amendments. was the founda-
tion for the present national irrigation
act
On May "A. 1902, In presenting the bill
to the House Congressman Newlands re-
ferrcd to President Roosevelt's message
on irrigation and quoted the same in its
entirety, Thus admitting that the Presi-
dents influence for the measure was the
strongest at that time.
President Alters Bill.
This measure was known as the Hans
brough- -Newlands bill, and became the
basis upon which the committee work
was done. but as drafted it never became
q law. II was discussed by self-con-
stitutcd committee of representative
from NIL the States concerned. which met
nearly every day during December and
on Dec. d agreed upon the form of the
revised bill. which. after still further
changes by the Senate committee. passed
the Senate without revision on March .,
1902.
But In the form In which II was rec.
commended by the general committee Of
which Mr.. Newlands was secretary. and
In which 1t passed the Senate. the bill
was unacceptable to President Roosevelt
as anorling spectators and large land
owners opportunity to monopoiize the
benefits of the act. Mr.. Roosevelt there
fore sent for Senator Hansbrough: and
Representatives MetcHlf. Moody and
Reeder. all Republicans. who would have
charge OF the bill In the House. and warn
ID them that unless changed In certain
respects be should lie compelled to veto
H.
Check - stes the shsrka