Omaha daily bee., 1908-04-19
Improvements for Streams Can Best
Be Devised by Experts.
BIG PROBLEMS ARE INVOLVED
Interests of ALI People Should Be
Adequately Protected.
ARMY ENGINEERS TO ASSIST
Secretary Thinks Projects Can He
EHecuted Best by Machinery of
War Department as Now
Authorized by Law.

WASHINGTON, April 1s.-Secretary Taft
has endorsed enthusiastically the bill in
troduced by Senator Newlands providing
for the appointment of an inland waterway
commission and for the Improvement and
development of a great scheme of inland
water routes throughout the country. The
approval from the War department was re-
ceived today by Senator Frye, chairman
OF the committee on commerce. A number
OF amendments were suggested to perfect
the measures to the provisions of the bill and
deemed of special merit by Secretary Taft.
were pointed out by him Among these is
the provision for coordination between
navigation and other uses of the waters
in connection with their Improvement for
the promotion of commerce among states
This is recognized by the War department
as wise and necessary The cooperation
with states, municipalities, communities.
corporations and individuals provided by
the bill is particularly commended. In this
connection Secretary Taft says:
This provision seems to be based on the
constantly increasing utilization Of the
streams, not only for navigation but for
other purposes which has accompa MED ex-
tension of settlement and increase of popu-
lation. With sparse settlements largely
confined along waterways there was little
overlapping or conflict of interests con-
nected with running waters; but with the
present comparatively dense population
not only all uses of the streams, but all
conflicting interests must be brought into
harmony in order that the waterways may
be made generally beneficial. This cannot
be done without careful regard for interests
of the people and for all the lawful means
that may be employed to protect them
The aim appears to be that OF promoting
union of interest through mutually bene-
ficial cooperation and thus meeting the
requirements OF our growing population
and increasing Industries
This feature is recognized by the War
department highly desirable.
Initiation by Experts.
The proposition for the initiation OF
projects by board OF experts meets with
the appreciation of the War department
regardless of the fact that It trespasses on
some OF the functions of that department
which are prescribed by existing law. Sec
retary Taft says: THE creation of an In
land waterways commission for the pur-
pose of initiating plans for the improve
ment of waterways seems to be a more
effective way of general plan for the i'm
PioNNhtHN VI all lne waterways of the
country than under the present provisions
of law. This would not dispense with the
admirable machinery furnished by the war
department for the improvement Of the
waterways when the plan has been de-
termined on and is to be executed. 1t sup
plies what does not exist in law nova
tribunal other than congress, charged with
the duty of originating and develorhng a
satisfactory plan"
No opinion is expressed by Secretary Taft
as to how far the great power put on the
proposed commission in the matter OF the
expenditure of money should be limited
The bill makes an appropriation of $50. >
OOe,OOG to carry oil the work and provides
for the Issuance of bonds when these funds
should fall below $2000O,OOO. The suggestion
OF Limitation on the commission is
thought to indicate some doubt in the mind
of the officials of the War department as
to the wisdom OF placing too much power
in It's hands. Secretary Taft suggests that
provision should be adopted recurring
that the chief of engineers OF the army
shall be member OF the commission and
for the detail OF military engineers to the
service of the commission whenever such
detail shall be consistent with their milf
tary duties.
Certain Changes Suggested.
Secretary Taft suggested certain changes
ir ihe form Of the bill to meet constitu-
tiOrn1 and Iagaf otg.o.g...- A..