The Bowbells tribune., 1905-01-13

we have reached the point where the
live stock interests and the agricul-
tural college work will both be bene
flied by the change suggested.
irrigation.
Irrigation in the past year and since
the passage Of the national reclama-
ton act has been q subject of great in
terest in the state. There are large
tracts of land where irrigation would
constitute desirable form of crop in.
surance by providing moisture when
and where needed. The notable con-
tributions of this state to the national
reclamation fund-nearly four millions
state was entitled to consideration
where feasible projects for irrigation
were discovered. The work Of the
state irrigation congress and the CO.
operation of the states delegation in
congress has been productive Of re-
suits. In the PAST year 1t seemed wise
to my predecessor to appoint a state
irrigation engineer, to work with the
government engineers and discover
places where irrigation would he prac-
ticable and Of beneficial effect. His
report will be laid before you. The
moneys necessary to defray the salary
and expenses Of the irrigation engi-
neer were advanced by public-spirited
citizens, and suggest that they be re-
imbuTsed from the state treasury. and
that the mu..eys advanced by counties
be also returned.
l would recommend also that you
consider the wisdom Of creating the
Office Of state irrigation engineer as a
permanent officer of the state govern
ment, with proper provision for the
payment Of salary and expenses,
which, like the preceding recon-
mendation. was Endorsed by both Re-
publican and Democratic state plat
forms adopted last year.
Permanent School Fund.
The rapid increase in the common
school and state institution permanent
fund is a matter that should engage
your attention. This fund has now in
vested approximately $2,700,000. 1t is
increasing at q rapid rate, and the In
creased values Of land in the state and
the liberal endowment of the common
schools, and state educational and 9th
| er institutions with land means a fund
vaster than, perhaps, the pioneers of
our statehood realized or foresaw.
This fund is the sacred charge Of the
state to be Ecrpetuated and safely In.
! vested for the benefit Of the schools
and institutions The legislature OF
Two years ago proposed constitution.
al amendment increasing the class OF
securities in which this fund could be
invested, and which will be referred
to you. It should be your care to make
provision for other safe and secure
Investments permitted under the laws
which gave those lands to the state in
trust for the schools, go that the state
trust be kept. the greatest revenue be
returned to the schools and institu.
tions, and eventually a large share OF
the debts Of the state. its municipal
subdivisions and Of the farmers them
selves, through loans Oh their land
shall be held by the state, in its PEE:
maaent school funds. Thus the inter.
est charges paid by the state and its
| people would accrue to the benefit OF
the schools and institutions, a:.d they
be largely supported by sort Of indi
rect tax. To simplify the matter Of
farm loans, and to provide from time
! to time such additional securities foI
investment as will be safe and wise
is your duty. The reports OF the state
land commissioner and of the state
treasurer will provide you with such
detailed Information regarding this
fund and it's probable growth as will
enable you intelligeltly to deal with
this question.