The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1907-10-25
lSalt Lake Heraldl

"A corporation mas been formed In
Pocatello for the purpose, of promot-
ing a great Sagebrush Fiesta, to be
held some time during 90S, in honor
OF the conquest of the desert. Idaho
ranks among irrigated states, and
its people, after casting aabout for
some fitting means of marking the
great regeneration of the states Ste
rifle era, have adopted the Idea OF
u. Bush Livermore, editor of the Po-
catello Tribune. The services of Ida
hos forsmost boosters have been en-.
listed in the movement, and it is pur-
posed to make the Sagebrush Fiesta
one of the most memorable events In
the history of the west.
One of the principal advertisers of
the Fiesta is Blaine Phillips of Boise,
formerly editor and publisher of the
Northwest Magazine. Mr.. Phillips
was in the city yesterday preparing
to undertake some literary work for
the Oregon Short Line. He is to
make several trips on the campany's
lines and write articles which are to
appear in a Union Pacific publication.
Before his departure for Granger last
night, Mr.. Philips had the following
to say regarding the proposed Fiesta:
"Expositions, xehibitive enterprises
of smaller scope and conventions have
become so numerous within the past
few years that one might almost ex-
pect the birth of a calf to be observed
with some fitting celebration. Not
withstanding, the Sagebrush Fiesta
is. presented without diffidence. It
will commemorate something of far
greater Importance to humanity than
the mere promotion of commercial re-
lations, the exhibition of craftwork
from foreign climes or the assimila-
ton of foreign ideas and customs. 1t
will mark, primarily, triumph of
science that takes predence over any
of the later discoveries which have
taxed the credence Of the layman. 1t
will observe an achievement that is
more vitality related to the Welfare of
civilization than the discovery Of the
elixir of life or the fountain of Ponce
de Leon.
There is something about this rem
Nuisance, this re-birth of the desert
that is wonderful and inspiring. It
is not mere theory, but fact that has
been repeatedly demonstrated. Where
but a few years ago even the sage
brush struggled to exist, now spread
acres upon acres of growing crops
and orchards. Every acre redeemed
has been contribution to a better
humanity, to higher civilization.
The development of irrigation pro-
jects has introduced millions of cap
ital into the west and given great
impetus to evolution in every field.
The problem does not concern Idaho
particularly. 1t is something that
has furnished an epoch in American
history and, therefore, we think it
timely to observe the mighty advance
ment with celebration of some sort.
"Our plans are in state of inchoa-
ton. We have only vague idea of
what we wish to do, and we wish sug-
gestions from the other arid states. |
We wish in the first place, to have |
the cooperation of every state that |
Is confronted with the desert problem.
1t is intended to make the Fiesta
unique, distinctive of the west and |
original. In some respects it will be
a small exposition patterned after the
Midwinter fair at San Francisco. Tt
will be held near the center of the
Fort Hall federal reclamation pro-
ject, locality that will afford stran-
gers an opportunity to see the old and
the new. Moreover, it will be at the
door, so to speak, of the Twin Falls
which has been blessed with
development. Primarily,
the Fiesta will be for the purpose of
In behalf of the Fiesta,
request that Utah and all arid and
semi-arid states assist in some way.
f you merely send an exhibition of
irrigated farm products, that will be
/ splendid text book-and you might