The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-12-21

Since the annually recurring floods in
Kansas, the condition of the NeOshO
valley in the eastern and southeastern
serious pass that congressional aid is
now sought.
When the agricultural appropriation
bill for the fiscal year beginning July
/, 1906, is passed by this session of con-
gress, 1t is thought there viii be ample
provision in it for a survey and COM
prehensive plan for drainage. This is
the hope of the citizens of the Neosho
valley; and the effort Of certain MEM
bers of the Kansas congressional dele
cation viii be along that line.
The movement to bring about the aid
to the Neosho river region seems to
have initiated at Oswego. Leading citi-
zens Of that town have petitioned Sena-
tor Long, Representatives Scott and
Campbell and the secretary of agricul-
ture for assistance. The matter has al
ready been taken up with the depart
ment of agriculture by Senator Long.
The department Of agriculture has
bureau which deals with irrigation and
drainage. The head of it is ElWOod
Mead who has acquired d reputation
in his line of work. Mr.. Mead has visi-
ted the Neosho valley, and so have two
or his agenrs-Mr. Elliott and Mr..
Wright All are familiar with cOndi-
tions there when the periodic rises come
in the river, bringing desolation to the
fertile valley. They stated to Senator
Long that they were very willing tC
appear before the house and senate
committees Of agriculture and urge an
appropriation of such dimensions as to
permit of investigation being made in
that region and bringing forth some
tangible plan for relief.
Representative Scott is a member of
the committee on agriculture Of the
house Of representatives. He is one of
its leading members; and is one of a
h10 Of faF a
prepares the big agricultural budget.
Much is expected OF Mr.. Scott in this
connection; as he lives alongside the
NeOshO, and knows its falling
It is quite possible that, in the senate
reorganization, Senator Long may be
a member of the committee on agTicul-
ture in his body. Whether he is or not,
he will lend his aid to the proposed
scheme for retaining the Neosho val
ley
A mistaken impression, however,
seems to exist in regard TO the extent
Of governmental aid to such a, project.
The most the government viii undertake
to do is 10 investigate thoroughly the
situation, and physical conditions; and
propose a scheme of relief; and furnish
a portion of the funds necessary, posi-
bly,, in carrying out the drainage plan.
In all cases like this, the department of
one-half the expense being borne either
by state or county and possibly more.
If it takes the lead, furnishes the plan,
and part of the money. it is reasonable
to suppose that a community, or cOun-
ty, or state, Will bear the heavy end of
the expense of putting the plan in work
ing order.
The Neosho river, in size, is ranked
by only two other Kansas streams-the
Kansas and the Arkansas rivers. The
Neosho drains parts of 10 counties; and
an area of over million acres. The
land in this valley is of great fertility.
Not only, however. is there agricultural
land, but, near Chanute. and in other
localities, the great oil wells of the Kan
sas field are located. These are pTacti-
cally ruined for the time being, each
spring and summer at foodtime.
In this connection it is well to cite
attention to notable piece of work of
Charles F. Scott as a member Of the
house committee on agriculture. Two
years ago hesecured the incorporationin
the agricultural act of an item prOvid-
ing for weather stations, and a code Of
warnings to the people in the Neosho
valley of floods and rises further up
stream. This often has resulted since
in great good to the people in the val
ley.
There Is an Indian chief in Indian Ter
ritoTy, commonly known as Crazy
FrreIisl, name IS Wilson tones T311t he is
usually known as Crazy Snake
The chief is at the head of a band of
lnOldnS numbering nearly oVtu- 1t IS
known as the Snake band The band is
part of the Greek tribe, but has drawn
aside from the parent tribe for some
years.
It was but a few years ago that Crazy
Snake, leading his warriors. hid OUT
in the valleys and ravines and thickets
of the Greek nation and practically defied
the Greek government and the United
States. There was all sorts of trouble.
and it took time and force to cueu Mr..
Crazy Snake"
The old chief is now feeling less be1Iig-
erent. He would be a good citizen Of the
government, and he has given excellent
advice of late to his children. He was a
fireater so long, however, and gave so
much counsel that was bad and contrary
to obedience. to the United States govern
ment that his people have not vet pro
gressed as far as he in their desire to be
good" Indians.
Snake" has been several times to
Washington to visit the Great White
Father he has not, so far seen that
great chief. but he has wanted many
times in recent years to do so. He ar