Arizona republican., 1907-08-29
PHoENIX. ARIz., AUG. 2s. 1907.
POLITICS ovERsHADowED.

It seems almost inevitable under our form of government, that every inn portant project undertaken by any considerable number of people, shall become more or less entangled in poli- tics. There are logical reasons why this is so though it is not proposed at this time to dwell upon them. The called. is that there are a few notable exceptions. the most notable, aside from the assailing of the country by foreign foe. being the work of reclaim ing the arid lands of the west. as in augurated by the influence of the irri- gation congress. Ulterior influences have at times gained a slight foot hold in the congress though they have seldom been of a purely political na- ture and whatever unholy purpose has gained a brief ascendency, it has short ly met the death it merited.
 Of the many congresses that meet in annual session. the Irrigation congress has been most fruitful of results and is today the most important. Other congresses, some of which have been of very material benefit and some of which have not. were brought into be- ing because of their possibility or probability of doing good. The Irriga- tion congress was conceived and brought forth at the psychological mo- ment and in its maturity was prepared to supply a real need of the country; to foster a governmental policy that is adding millions to the nations wealth and that Is yet only in its beginning. The Irrigation congress deals with questions that are fundamental in the nations welfare. questions that are not even sectional in their nature though they are sometimes believed to be by those who have only a superficial un- derstanding of practical irrigation and a still more superficial knowledge of it's beneficent results. Though there may be politicians in the congress as there are in the national legislature. the congress itself is as far above pol itics as patriotism is above party in times of national menace.
 It is claimed for the next session of the Irrigation congress which will as- semble in Sacramento September 3rd that it will be "the greatest rally of irrigation and allied interests ever hell f= i,1-- ise of most interesting and instruct i've meeting. The vice president. mem bers of the cabinet, United States sen ators and representatives from many states. governors and state legislators will be present at the sessions of the congress also. and many men who have had years of practical experience in farming and fruit raising in irrigated districts.
 It is gratifying to note the interest in the present session. that Is being taken by Arizonians in both public and private life and it is confidently ex- pected that this valley at least will have full representation. If there are yet vacancies in the delegations apportioned to the municipalities or water organizations in this valley. it is the duty of the gentlemen in author ity to do their utmost to fill them, even at the eleventh hour. The recla- nation service which is the direct re- suit of the earlier work of the con- gress, has been assailed in certain quarters. There is little fear that any thing will occur at the congress that may be described more seriously than as irritating" nevertheless it will be to the honor and interest of this valley to use it's entire influence in support of that branch of the government service
 As indicated above the benefits of the reclamation of arid lands are not sectional in their final results though the regions primarily affected are first to receive the quickening impulse. This valley having been favored with the first and one of the largest pro jects. now begins to realize its bene- fits and a full delegation to the con- gross will be the best possible way in which its appreciation can be shown. 
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