The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1907-07-03
ENCOURAGED BY GARFIELD.
Secretary Of Interior Meets Milk
River Settlers at Harlem.

utVSV 0SttSSVS az Harlem.
1t is believed the visit Of James Il.
9 arfeld, secretary of the interior, to
northern Montana, will result in more
rapid and satisfactory work upon the
Milk river irrigation project. Ac-
companied by F. H. Newell and other
officials Of the reclamation service,
the secretary visited Harlem on Mon
day. and was present At a meeting of
the Milk River United Irrigation as
ISOLATION, at which matters vitally az
fec,ing the welfare OF the comm unity
were discussed.
Among those present at the meeting
were Senators Carter and Dixon, Con.
gresham Charles n. Pray, and rep.
r%esentative citizens from towns and
settlements 10 the Milk river valley.
Preparations for the reception and en-.
tertainment Of the visitors had been
made by the citizens Of Harlem and
members OF the irrigation association,
who believed the presence OF the sec.
rotary OF the interior afforded an OPP
portunity to secure definite ofiicia in-
formation regarding the status of the
Milk river project.
The views OF the settlers we're pre-.
sented in remarks mace by Messrs. T.
NJ. Everett, II. d. Nelson, W. NJ.
Woodbridge, w. B. Sands and others,
who explained the uns satisfactory and
discouraging conditions due 10 delay
upon the project. Senators Carter
and Dixon and Congressman Pray al.
so spoke along similar lines, express.
ing the hope that construction work
will be pushed 81 speedily as circum-
stances permit. F. H. Newell. direc-
tor OF the reclaim alton bureau, de.
livered an interesting address upon
the matters under discussion, and gave
assurance that his department pro-.
posed to do everything in it's power to
hasten the completion Of the projects
in hand.
In reply to the remarks Of local
speakers, Secretary Garfield stated
that his visit TO the Milk river valley
vac 40 educational experience that he
greatly appreciated. 1t wac q revela.
ton to him that 10 this locality one
flooding under the diking system is
sufficient to insure profitable crops,
as it was formerly his impression that
irrigation throughout the season was
necessary. This feature Of the situa.
ton suggested the desirability Of
building diversion dams At the earl.
iest practicable date. and he stated
! his purpose to give this matter proper
attention upon his return to Washing
ton.
TIE secretary, without committing
himself by making definite promise,
said the lower project would be pushed
without delay. He spoke of the many
government irrigation undertakings
that are DOW under way, and said the
general policy OF the reclaim alton bu-
reau is to make special efforts upon
those tina, can be constr octed quickly
and o economically, and which
will begin to return revenue TO the
reclaim alton fund as soon as completed
The larger and more expensive enter.
prices will then be undertaken.
The secretary assured the meeting
that the abandonment, of the Milk
RIVER project was not contemplated by
bis department. Referring to in,erna'
tionAl compile ations with Canada. he
said negotiations are progressing and
be hoped tor AN early and amicsblt
settlement OF the controversy. The
eomplaiot tn at sone OF the lands thu,
had been withdrawn could not be ir.
rigated by the Milk river project he
found to be correct, and declared they
shonld be restored to entry.
Secretary Garfield and his party
travelled from Williston to Harlem ir
J ames j. Hill'e private car, which had
been placed 1T their disposal. The
car was attached to the westbounc
passenger Monday night, its occupant.
being due in Helena Tuesday when 4
big reception il to be given by resi-
/ 49, 4 ~ -