The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1908-08-06
GRANGE DECLARES ITSELF.
Outlines Plan of Action on Irrigation
Question.

Outlines Plan of Action on Irrigation
Question.
Revolutions unanimously adopted by
The Oregon State Grange at Eugene
bay IA, 1908, upon the following mo
tiCn:
Moved that the resolutions be adopted
as read and referred to the committee
on legislation, with power to prepare a
bill as outlined therein, submitting the
same to the next session of the legisla-
ture for adoption, and further, that the
chairman of the legislative committee
be authorized to invite such state or
national experts on water legislation
who can be secured to assist the com
mittee in preparing such bill, also one
representative from any state organiza.
ton which may hereafter adopt sub
stantially similar resolutions.
Resolutions
Whereas, Titles to water are of equal
Importance with titles to land, and it
appears that water right should be
as easily aseertained, as clearly defined,
as secure and in all respects as definite
as a perfect title to land; and,
Whereas, 1t is apparent that without
definite system of water right titles
and adequate protection by the state,
our water users are burdened with cost
ly, and apparently unending litigation;
our present constructed works are de-
preciated in value; the United States
hesitates to construct irrigation sys-
tens; private capital declines TO invest;
home-seekers go to other states and
countries, where the purchase of an irri-
gated farm does not mean the purchase
of lawsuit, and thus our development
is seriously retarded; and,
Whereas, Our present water laws cam
not be found by a study of the statutes
alone, but must be sought for in long
series of decisions by our supreme
court, and apparently are so conflicting
that our ablest lawyers differ in opin-
ION on the most fundamental points.
This law is incomplete and inadequate |
and has been, and is, in state of flux |
Disputes are decided by the logic of |
Judges, rather than by statutes of the
legislature. Few know what the law is
oday, none know what it may be to. /
morrow; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense Of the
oregon State Grange that it is the duty
# the state of Oregon, at the earliest
possible time, to codify and enact
omplete, concise, and definite water
aw, leaving to the courts only the mere
Of this law on such oc.
aston as it might be brought into dis.
ute; and be it further
Resolved, That such water law sbouId
e based upon the best experience OF
Their states and countries, such as
Wyoming, Idaho and Canada. and
hould include the following funda.
rental principles:
!. That no water right should become
ested except by direct grant from the
tate. -
2. 10 provide a system whereby
riority and limitations of every e
lg right to the use of water
be ascertained.
3. To provide a reliable record
me central Office of all water ri
determined, and of new right
itiated.
4. That actual measurements
tches and streams be made as
n the adjudication of existing ri
I'd the initiation of new rights to
rplus water, if any.
5. To provide definite proced
hereby rights to such surplus W
ay he acquired.
g. That beneficial use should be
isis of all rights to the use of wa
ID that water for irrigation purpt
ould be made appurtenant to the 1
'igated, u
7. All rights to the use of water Cor
wer development should be limited to -
period of twenty-five years, subject ia
renewal under certain restrictions. p
3. To provide an efficient administra
70 system, with proper officers, for
distribution of the water supply
long those entitled to its use.