The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-01-18
TEST CASE TO BE
PUSHED AHEAD
DRAINAGE MEN WANT TO KNOW
WHERE THEY STAND.
Splendid Interest Taken in Their Sec
ond Annual Convention at Ames-
Representative Wright Believes the
Law Constitutional-1,6O 900 Miles of
New Artificial Waterways Contem-
plated. = ~. .... ~t,G-@@ h

Special to The Journal. s.
Ames, Iowa, Jan. 1s.-The second annual Iowa
state drainage convention was called to order
at the Iowa State college by President D. A..
Kent. Several hundred of Iowas landowners,
statesmen civil engineers, supervisors and drain
age experts were in attendance, and goodly
number was also present from neighboring states
The opening address made by Professor
G. F. Curtiss, director of the Iowa experiment
station. He spoke of the progress of drainage
improvements In the state in the past year, but
stated that the keynote Of this convention would
undoubtedly be effort to secure as speedily
as possible a test case which would prove
whether or not the present drainage law is con-
stitutional The uncertainty regarding the law
time. IA. e.. ...~.-. =
G. G. Elliott, drainage expert for the United
States department of agriculture spoke upon
Drainage Claims and Equitable Assessments
in Drainage District Work. This is subject
of statewide interest in Iowa, and Mr.. Elliott
presented facts which will prove Of inestimable
value to the county officials and landowners
who heard him.. "s-".". Ssr"
1.-THE New Iowa Drainage Law" was discussed
by r. NJ. Wright Of Fort Dodge. Representa-
tive Wright was one of the chief advisers In
framing the law, as well as it's steadfast sponsor
before the legislature In his address he cited
many cases which he believes prove that the
present law is cons titutional. : 81
Many of the delegates spent the greater por-
ton of night in discussing ways and means
for getting test case to the supreme court as
soon as possible. This must be done before
drainage improvements can be successfully car
ried out. This subject was fully discussed by
the convention for over an hour. A resolution
was unanimously adopted urging the various
counties to support financially the test case Of
Bollah VS.. Monona- Harrison county drainage dis
trict. The thought prevailed that If this. case
could speedily be carried to the supreme court
great forward step will have been taken.
A committee Of five was appointed to interest
the landowners and county officials in this case
Professor A. Marston addressed the convention
on .'The Importance of Drainage in Good Roads
Construction" He has made careful study Of
road conditions in Iowa, and his statements
| were heard with the greatest enthusiasm
| '.The Drainage of Meandered Lake Beds" wal
| the subject Of comprehensive paper by Pro
| lessor L. e. Ashbaugh OF the Iowa State col
| lege The paper reviewed the provisions Of thu
new drainage law regarding the drainage ant
sale of meandered lakes, and many facts wer'
presented regarding the work that had bee,
| done in compliance with the provisions Of thu
| law and the number of lakes which had beef
filled up in recent years and were now simpl.
| sloughs or boys
F. J. Ford Of Fort Dodge sent a paper 0,
''The Progress Of Drainage improvements II
19O4.'' There is now contemplated not les
than LOCO miles OF artificial waterways to fur