The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1906-06-29
Why Pay Rent 2
Irrigation Congress.

4
Increasing interest is being taken in
the coming session OF the National Ir-
CATION congress by prominent irriga-
tionists throughout the country. Chair
man Gwinn Of the executive committee
is receiving many letters every day offer
ing suggestions as to subjects to be dis
cussed and making inquiries regarding
the program. ,l
Wayne Darlington, former state en-
gineer of Idaho, writes from Stedman,
Cal, as follows
"There is one subject which / feel
should be very clearly presented to the
congress. 1t has received very little
notice from the outside irrigation world.
Irefer to the new irrigation law Of Ida
no, with its amendments, and the work
ings of the same in regard to the estab-
hshmenr of water rights. / consider
this most important matter, as our law
is by far the best in all the arid states
and is working admirably. Mr. Newell,
in q government publication concerning
the irrigation laws Of the different
states, gave Idaho extremely scant recog-
milton. This subject is SO important
that it should be divided into sections
and presented by different persons. II
it is impossible to read all the papers,
they should, at least, be published and
circulated among the members Of the
congress. would suggest that these
divisions be made:
"The adjustment Of water rights on
settled streams.
"The appropriation Of new water and
provision for new settlers.
"The administration of water rights
under our board Of irrigation.
"The operation Of our irrigation dis
trict law.
II would suggest that you consult
with State Engineer Stephenson in re-
gard to the proper persons to present
the subjects mentioned. to the end that
the superior features Of our law over
those enacted in other states may be
properly presented to the congress and
the cause OF irrigation receive the bene.
tit thereby
POLICIES AND PRACTICE.
Hon. A. G. True, director Of experi- |
mant stations, department Of agriculture
suggests that the subjects to be discuss
I'd be separated into two divisions---irri-
cation policies and irrigation practice
He says:
irrigation policies would include al
the laws and methods under which ir-
rigation canals are built by the federal
government, under the Carey act, OF
by private enterprise; ~ laws govern
ing the water right and the methods
followed in dividing streams among ap-
by the different states, ana
the water right agreements under which
water is purchased and delivered to irri-
gators from canals; (O forestry legisla-
tion and the management Of forest and
grazing lands.
"Irrigation practice would include a.
the methods Of measuring and distribot-
ing water TO irrigators; ~ the mainten-
ance Of canals and laterals, prevention Of
sipeage losses, the drainage and recla-
nation Of swamps and alkalied areas,
the duty Of water, and the best methods
Df applying water to crops; ~ also irri-
cation as related to dry-farming, which
would include the utilization Of small
water supplies, the methods Of cultiva-
lion to conserve soil moisture and the
value Of drouth-resistant crops.
"While farmers and men operating
canals haveperhapsa more direct interest
in the question pertaining to irrigation
practice than they do in the general
problems, the discussion Of these ques-
lion is Of technical character, and in
Jerest in discussion is limited to those
Iamiliar with irrigated agriculture. The
division Of the congress into sections
Tor part Of the time would enable
hose interested in different features Of
irrigation practice to consider them,
while those attending the congress hay-
ng only general interest in the subject
,ould take that time to visit certain por-
ions Of the irrigated area around Boise.
These quieter sessions and the outing Of
hose who do not attend them would be
! relieffrom the nervous strain which
usually attends the holding Of large,
general meetings"
Bill Is Passed +
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