The Imperial press., 1905-09-23

On August 5th we published an ac count of the Imperial canal heading on the Colorado river, as learned by Obser vations made on the ground on July 30th. At that tune we made trip to the headings in company with Mir. C. R. Redwood, and had the state of affairs and the plans of the California Develop ment Company for controlling the wa ter and turning the river back to it's old channel, fully explained to us. The plan then was to make an excavation to one side of the main channel of the Imperial canal, install the headgate in that, then turn the water through the headgate and dam up the channel, when, the water being all passing through the headgate would be under control, as it could be shut off or turned on merely by opening or closing the gates.
 These plans we fully explained in our issue of August 5. The only possible obstacle that would seriously hamper the success of these plans would be the presence of quicksand and the difficulty of cutting the excavation for the head gate. And this was just what has been found. During the past two or three weeks leyeral conflicting reports have gained circulation in the Valley con eerIdng what was being done at the intakes and what difficulties were being encountered in the work of shutting off the water and getting it under control. As our people are more concerned re- garding this matter than any one else, and as we are unwilling to take our news second hand, we made the trip to the intakes again and saw for ourselves what is being done, what has been done and what must yet be done before this undertaking is completed.
 In company with Mir. Lawrence of the Standard we left Imperial on last Satur- day afternoon, train bound for the scene of operations. At Blawley we were joined by Mir. Witter of the News, and thus the editorial trio journeved to the historic town of Imperial Junction erst- while known as Old Beach. Arriving there we found the overland had become the overlate, being reported first tour and then nine hours late. So We went to bed and slept till they got the wreck cleared away and the trains released. We got away from Imperial Junction 5: 30 Sunday morning on the Golden State Limited and arrived in Yuma about 30.
 After breakfast, which both for quail ity of food and uncleanliness of service, was enough to cause remark even in Yuma, we sallied forth to see how we might proceed on our journey. We fouad Yuma in gala attire. Indians and Mexicans celebrating in their bibu- lous and nosy way, the birthday of President Diaz and independence of Mexico
 This state of affairs made great dearth of laborers, and it was only by invoking the aid of that argOnant of Colorado river steamboat man, Captain Jack Mellen, that we were able to get a skiff and a bGatman and proceed on our trip. Captain Mellen was just about completing the work of loading his barge with the last of the lumber and material orthe new headgate at the Imperial intake, and bore the proud distinction of being the only man in Yuma who could get the Indians and Mexicans to work
 Wegot away from Yuma about 9 O clock and proceeded down the river looking for Pete Gaines and the gasoline launch Gertrude at every bend, as we had learned in Yuma that he was expected 10 come up the river that day.
 Arriving at the old intake at Hanlan's s We landed and went ashore to see what was to be seen at that point. Here we found Mir. Martin, an expert in the construction of cement and steel head gates. He has charge of the operation of putting in the permanent headgates of cement and steel which are to be in-