The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1905-03-04
WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY
ON LOWERING THE LAKE
All Want the Government to Spend its
Money But Differ rs to the Best Meth
Ods-MajOrity Oppose Proposition to
Lower the Lake.


Its Big Bend irrigation scheme is one
In which the people of this city are
deeply interested for a number of
reasons. The government proposes
TO spend over 100000 in this
vicinity and lower the&lake according
to the report of Engineer Noble. An
other plan Is also under consideration
TO raise the lake from twelve to six
Teen feet and purchase all land in the
river valleys or that may be over
flowed by the change This would
practically extend the lake to the
point now known as the head OF
navigation on the rivers. The
engineers in charge Of the preliminary
work have this plan under considera-
tion. The Press has interviewed
number Of business men and citizens
on the subject and gives their
opinions as follows:
]. W. Wiggett- Either raise or
lower the lake, either would be good,
so that we get the money the govern
ment proposes to spend on the works.
To lower the lake would reclaim a
large quantity of land now under
water. The expenditure Of such
large sums Of money as the irrigation
project requires will make a great
city here.
NJ. NJ. Meyer-Let the government
take its course. 1t will look at all
sides Of the proposition and do what
Is best for all concerned. Occur d.
Alene will derive a great benefit by
either raising or lowering the lake,
but all interests must be taken into
consideration. The expenditure of
several million dollars here means
much for this community.
E. Bjorklund-I am in favor Of
any enterprise that will be for the
good Of the city.
t. E. Hedal-I am opposed to
lowering the lake, bat it might be
raised to advantage. To lower it
would damage the town, but the ex-
penditure Of the money in raising the
water will aid navigation and make
things hum in a business way with
out doing much damage
T. G. Kaesemeyer-I am not in favor
Of lowering the lake under any con
ditions, but il it can be raised with
out doing much damage / favor the
proposition. Let the government
spend its money in that way and do
good to both this city and the Big
Bend. We want to see any enter
prise go ahead that helps the city
and these big government expendi-
lures are not to be overlooked.
Clement wilkins am in favor
raising and not Of lowering the lake,
provided all damages can be adjusted
to the satisfaction Of the people own
ing property that would be flooded.
What grand body Of water it would
make to almost double the size of
the lake. Government works are
usually Of great benefit to a com
munity because good wages are paid
and If the money for dams and other
improvements is expended here it
means much for the city. But to
lower the lake means irreparable
damage that will amount to more
than the money spent
james II. Harte--Auy project 10
lower the lake below its natural level
would be a detriment to the city.
As to raising it to any extent, do
not know how much damage would
result and am not able to say that it
would be a benefit
A. v. Chamherlin-I am not ia
favor Of lowering the lake, but the
expenditure of the money which the
government proposes 10 put into i'm
proyements for making a reservoir
here would be big benefit IL 1t H.
used In raising the lake The good
resulting would be more than the
damage and it is my opinion that
plan is the most feasible.
f. a.. Blackwell do not favor
lowering the lake. The damage to
navigation and logging interests Is
too great II would prove disaster
Gus. We are now building dams and
making improvements to hold the
water above and it has been the "a .
perience Of lumbermen that they
must save the water rather than do
anything to cause it to run off
rapidly. The land IN the river
valleys is made valuable by the an
nual overflow and would not be
worth so much without it.
Carscallen brothers-We would
like to zee the lake raised eight or
ten feet. II would benefit naviga.
ton and do no particular damage
that could not be adjusted. We are
opposed to any plan for lowering the
lake. Being in the steamboat bust /
ness we know what a detriment It .