The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1905-05-09
COMMITTEE TO VISIT.

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We just sending the printer report
which combines compilation OF the essential
features of all previous reports concerning this
that the United States GeoIogcal Survey and
its associate organization-the reclamation
ssrvice-haye complied. This is In the nature
of progress report and a book of reference
ton
We ae now preparing to send out field par
ties TO compIete cur Investigations of the avail
able reservoir sites in connection with this en-
terprise. In addition to our field parties, We
have available for the consideration OF TINS
problem board OF consulting engineers of ma
ture experience and sound judgment. before
whom this entire question will be continuously
Realizing the magnitude of the work that
we are undertaking and believing that special
acts or Congress probably will be required
for elaborate handling OF the situation, both
in relation e navigation and overflow, and
ton service. with this very largely In view,
requested the House and Senate committees on
irrigation to visit the Sacramento Valley in or
der tnat they might personally become ac-
qualnted with the situation In the field. These
gentlemen will be In Sacramento Valley on the
18th and 10th of June next l hope to be
able to bring them up the west side OF the
valley or down the Sacramento River. The
time of such a large committee you will APP
pyeeiate Is very limited, and although / have
urged extended examination in this
field. / believe this Is the best that we can
do with the situation. ] think II desirable for
perhaps two representatives Of the sacramento
Valley Development Association to accompany
the Congressional committee on THIS trip
through the Sacramento Valley.
PROGRESS MUST BE SLOW.
The demands on the reclamation fund are
SO great and from many different quar-
ters that it will not be possible to take up the
reclairing of anything approaching this entire
at one time. but ] do hope that we can
be able TO take Up one after another OF the
various units OF the enterprise and work them
out gradually according TO preconceiyed
plan and in harmonious manner. Just how
the details as TO the procedure and meeting
OF expenses to be solved am not yet
prepared to say, but l believe that II VIII
be possible ultimately to work them out. One
OF the most serious obstacles. II not the most
serious obstacle, in connection with this great
enterprise I have believed in the past to con-
support on the part OF the people Of this sec
ton TO the Irrigation idea The resolutions OF
your committee are therefore. particularly in
teresting and acceptable to me- and Will
take pleasure in forwarding them to our chief
engineer for presentation to the Secretary Of
the Interior.
wish again. however to warn you that
the reclamation service has many and great
demands put upon its resources. that this is a
great problem that cannot and Will not be
worked out in hurried manner: that we will
be confronted with enormous difficulties, prfn-
cipalIy of a social nature. and that we must
face the problem with calm elaboration and
steady Judgment. rather than from stand
point of haste or effervescent action. wish
10 avoid excitement and. particularly, wish
to avoid giving the impression that the rec
lamat.on service will or can Immediately take
up this enterprise. ! do hope the service
tenacity OF purpose that It has shown during
the past few years. looking toward the solu-
ton OF this greatest reclamation problem OF
arid America. believe II is wise to con-
and when the time for further action arrives,
] will take pleasure In cooperating with you.