Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1907-08-30
GARFIELD TELLS
OF HIS TRIP
Sees Golden Possibilities
of the West Under
Irrigation

of the Interior Garfield returned to
Washington yesterday from what |
probably has been the most extensive |
tour ever taken by cabinet official
in pursuit of information for the con-
duct of his department.
The secretary accompanied by
members of his official staff. left the
capital June IL, and in journey total
ing between 10000 and 1000 miles,
he has investigated important prob
lens in IL states and the four terri
tories that embrace the public land
area of the United States.
Some of His Duties.
The problems to be submitted to the
next congress, regarding which Secre-
tary Garfield will be able to suggest
the best treatment embrace the fol-
lowing: Contamination of the great
project for the reclamation of arid
lands; conservation of forests and of
Western watersheds; conservation of
fuel lands embraced within the public
domain; the entry and settlement of
lands suitable to cultivation; restric-
ton of grazing privileges so as to re-
tain the value of public lands to ac-
tual settlers; wind UP of affairs per-
tanning to the Five Civilized Tribes in
their tribal relations; tn eallotment of
their lands; the distribution of sur
plus belonging to Indians, and the
safeguarding Of interests of less So
phisticated red men in the new capa-
city as individual land holders.
at would be difficult" said Secre-
tary Garfield this afternoon, "to say
just what is the most important prob
lem demanding consideration. feel.
however that I have an understand
ing of the situation as a whole that
will enable me to go ahead with we'll
defined policies. Congress at its next
session will be called upon to settle
once and for all vital questions that
for years caused trouble in various
forms. NV recommendations, of course
will be embodied in my report to the
president for transmission to con-
gress."
Enthusiastic Over Irrigation.
Particular attention was devoted by
the secretary of the interior in the
West to the reclamation service.
1.-THE twenty-three reclamation pro-
jects already under way" said Secre'
tary Garfield, twill make between l.
100000 and 100000 acres Of land i'm
mediately available. 1t Is impossible
to tell how many million acres will be
made available finally, but the projects
take in all the states and territories
west of the Missouri river except
Oklahoma, which has no public land
left.
When the original projects are
completed it will be much easier tc
extend the area of irrigation and mill
: ions of acres will be added to the lands
suitable for entry.
II found the people generally enthu'
siastic over the work of the govern
ment, although of course, criticisms
sometimes are made. But criticisms
help to show the needs for future leg
islation. Naturally, as long as mon
ey is spent the people concerned are
j always exuberant. I wanted to see
how they felt when 1t came to paying
the money back for these projects
are to recompense the government
financially for every dollar spent
what impressed me most in my in
vestigation?
| Value of Water Service.
well" said Secretary Garfield, &c
A was particularly impressed with tn
+, tremendous growth of the use of wa
! ter, both for power and irrigation pur
1 poses. The preservation of forests i
I vital to the conservation of water 70
I all purposes and while the forest re
serves come under the direction Q
z the department of agriculture, GU
I work dovetails, and recommendation
] as to legislation will come in a larg
4 measure from this department.
81 went as deeply as possible int
= the coal and oil land question. l talk
ed with the government agents an
' with private citizens. My opinion /
= that here, too, sentiment is workin
around very rapidly to appreciate
| of the governments policy, and thin
! it will be possible to settle the matte
| when congress next meets. 1t look
| as If there would be a mutual agree
ment whereby we will have the co
| operation of interests that have tough
Il ! rasfrfction in fha mast for II IL aprae