The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-03-15

under the Palouse River-Pasco canal
Mr.. Noble stated the positions OF the
government to be that water would be
delivered only to actual settlers and
home builders on these lands. 1t de-
veloped that the major part of the
states holdings under the govern
ment irrigation works have been
leased to private individuals for a
term of six years. DR.. A. P. Mitten,
deputy collector of customs of Seattle,
has several sections leased, and inte-
rested with him is II. K. Owens, the
weli-knOwn irrigation engineer Par
ties in Tacoma and Walla Walla have
it is stated. leased several of the
school sections. The average rental
paid to the, state for these lands is not
much over 10 cents per acre per year
Will be Valuable.
As the lands lying under the ditca
will be easily worth 500 per acre after
the water from the government canal
is delivered, it can readily be seen that
the lucky lessees have a bonanza in
their properties. The extent of their
winnings, however, will depend upon
two things. One of these is the alti-
tude of the government with refer
ence to water rights for leased state
lands under the canal. The other will
be the time when the water is de-
livered The geological survey ON
Gals have stated that unless there are
insurmountable obstacles the waters
of the Palouse will flow on part Of the
lands in 1907 and on all in 1898.
The state law. however, gives the
lessee of state land protection in the
matter of his improvements in case the
land is put up for sale after the ex-
pirat;on Of the term of lease. At this
time there is a big demand for landa
under the government canal, and q
boom has already started at Pasco.
WHICH, VIII AhCly III OuG liIIiC JUSTLY
the advice OF that early Pasco land
boomer. who during the halycon days
Of 1889 coined the phrase and spread
It broadcast over the country. Keep
your eye on Pasco." Under the CIR
cumstances 1t IL likely that there win
be lively bidding for the states school
lands under the Palouse River-Paso4
canal. local men who are Interested
in the state school land leases are
awaiting with more than a passing in
terest the ruling Of the interior de-
partment concerning their rights.
Land Commissioner Ross has been
given to understand fully the govern
ment's position as to spectators In
state school lands located under the
government ditch. Mr.. Ross has in
formed Engineer Noble that ne will
cooperate with him to promote the in
terests Of the government in it's re-
clamation work and will do all he can
to reduce the evils growing out of
speculation in state lands. 1t is on
record at Olympia that, as stated, the
greater part of the states lands have
already been leased. Former Land
Commissioner Calvert made a ma
iority Of these leases. Land Commits
sioner Ross signed one lease soon after
he assumed Office He has, however,
refused to sign any more until he can
visit the district and acquaint him.
self with the situation.
Engineers to Meet.
At North Yakima early next month
meeting of the consulting board or
the reclamation engineers will be held,
which will be attended by the land
commissioner At that meeting the
land commissioner and the govern
ments representatives will reach a
thorough understanding.