Durango semi-weekly herald. (Durango, Colo.) 1899-1907, 1906-07-19

tate irrigation where 1t is needed.
and to continue to enlarge and I'M
prove the system as fast rs lands
come in for irrigation.
Some OF them understand that all
the lands save those belonging to the
government will be held for tax I'M
der the present plant; others under
stand that they may petition them
selves out Of the district and avoid
responsibility in the Indebtedness TO
accrue.
Among the opponents to the Henry
proposal are some OF the largest and
most progressive land owners who do
not hesitate to say their lands would
be confiscated within five years.
On the other hand there are many
people In the district who have been
sorely tried for years through the
| failure OF the old company to provide
water for irrigation. even under the
laterals now constructed. They arc
willing to do anything for relief from
their present condition, probably feel
| ing that they might as well be out.of
| the game as to have but few white
chips.
| AS long as the present conditions
| prevail the people will be unsettled
and there is likely to be little prog
ress. The advocates of the Henry
proposal find this fact their strongest
| card.
The majority of the people who
have investments in farming, when
they voted for the bonds to purchase
direct from the ditch company tho
present tunnel and laterals and go
ahead TO complete their system, oper-
ating under a conservative directory.
to avoid steals under construction
plans, so that they would get some
thing for the debt which posterity
may have to pay. They want now to
buy the old system from the present
| owners at the best terms which may
be secured.
The advocates of the Henry pro.
posal are urging that If this is not ac-
cepted the whole project of compile
ton of the irrigation system may be
delayed for years, that this plan must
be accepted OF all hope for advance
ment must be abandoned.
1t is threatened that If the major
ity votes for the Henry plan on the
2Sth OF the present month, legal steps
will be taken to enjoin the sale OF the
bonds to Mr. Henry or anyone else.
The opponents of the plan are
] | scurrying around to get legal advice
, | on the various questions arising,
chiefly as to injunction and the mat
| ter of individuals petitioning them
| selves out Of the irrigation district
A number Of suits are being brought
d | against the present company for dam
age resulting from running a large
| volume of water through McElmC
: canon through which it has no right
of way, for the delivery of water tc
consumers. The company some time
, ago begun injunction proceedings
4 against the users of water along this
canon. but when the case came on IL
chambers the attorneys for plaintiffs
. moved to have the case dismissed
, without prejudice, and since thai
| time some of the defendants have
, made application to the district cour
to enjoin the company from running
water in the McElmo.
So it will be seen that the Monte
yuma is still in turmoil over water
1t is a great valley and it is to BIZ
hoped that at some time the people
will settle on some sane plan for fu
ture irrigation and progress.
Land speculation and the furthe
improvement of farms will be de
ferred until the question is settled 70
good FRANK HARTMAN.