The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-01-11

lation portions of those lands, maxi
ing them productive and providing
homes and means Of livelihood for
thousands. But, as a condition prece-
dent to applying the benefits Of the
national reclamation act in this state,
the general government requires that
our state laws on the subject of
water ownership in non-humid
regions be not incompatible with the
theory of water ownership as set
theory is succinctly worded in the
presidents declaration that in irri-
cation this right (the right of water)
should attach to the land reclaimed
and be inseparable therefrom.'
ITO bring about harmony between
our state laws and the federal enact
ment is the problem before you, If
we are to receive any benefit from
the federal government. The irriga-
ton commission, with the aid of va
rious distinguished gentlemen learned
in irrigation law. has prepared a code
which will be submitted to you for
your consideration.
Il urge upon you the necessity of
devoting much of your time to the
subject for. as the president has stat
ed, in it you are dealing with a new
and momentous question, in the preg-
nant years while institutions are
forming and what you do will affect
not only the present but future gen.
erations.
Harbor Improvements.
development and Improvement of
the harbors of the state is subject
which | commend to your attention
as one well within the province of
the legislative branch of the state
government. Experience has demon
strated that these harbors where the
interchange of traffic between land
and watr conveyance is best facili-
tated enjoy the largest measure of
prosperity. While we seek federal
appropriations for harbor work we
can not consistently discourage the
state from acting in harmony with
the general government in these la
bolS II 10 JuNt tlidt tiC "iloiS ''ba "
should contribute thereto, since the
benefits are to be shared by the in
land producers and shippers quite as
much as by the sea coast merchants
and manufacturers. | am of the opin-
ion that board or commission should
be authorized. made up of representa-
tive citizens, to serve without re-
| .;
penses, to suggest a plan to a sue
ceeding Legislature for legislative ac-
ton in the interests of harbor inn
provements.
Road Legislation.
mo duty of greater Importance will
engage the attention of this body
than the consideration of road legis-
lation. Improved highways construct
ed for permanent service increase the
value of every acre of land near such
road. We have demonstrated that the
nearer land is to market, church and
school, the greater it's value and the
more profitable is its product.
"The platforms of the two great
political parties call for the repeal
or the present road law. However,
| am not convinced that the people
of this state desire to return to the
old road supervisor system of con-
structing and improving county high
ways. All must recognize that we
have entered upon an era of sCien-
tific road building and have reached
a period when the services of practi-
cal road makers should be utilized
| in the construction and improve
ment of our county highways. We
| have relegated to the past the sys-
tenn which permitted road super
ViSOrS or county commissioners to eX-