East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1908-09-25
RESIDENCE RULE
IS NOT LIKED
ASKS CHANGE
IN GOVERNMENT PLAN
Believe Present Conditions Hold Back
Development of the Project-Seek
Change in Ruling TO Require Ger
tain Amount of Development in
Lieu of Residence-Matter VIII BE
Agsated at Albuquerque.

Hermiston, Sept 25.-Hermlston
proposes to do some little lobbying
at the National Irrigation congress at
Albuquerque in which congress this
project will be represented by some
of its prominent citizens.
In what II seeks this project will
be Joined by others from the ranks
of the national irrigation schemes,
and whether a resolution can be got
ten through the congress to that eff
feet, at least some sentiment can be-
secured tending to the removal of the
residence clause now attached to the
securing Of government water for
these schemes.
Those familiar with national
schemes of reclamation declare that
this residence clause is now hindering
greatly in the work of settling up the
big projects the government has now
completed. But in no instance is its
working more pernlcious than in the
case of the Umatilla project.
AS is we'll known. the government
experts look upon the Umatllla
scheme as a fruit district primarily,
and declare that its conditions of soil
and climate will make 1t one of the
best fruit growing sections in the Uni
ted states when once developed For
this reason the farm unit on the pro-
ject has been cut down so low that
it precludes the possibility of any but
intensive cultivation. The lO-acre
farm is the rule at Hermlston.
On such a plot one can not afford
to lose any of his crop, but during
the past year the breaks in the ditch
es, etc. ruined many of the first crops
of the settlers.
AS 1t now stands. these people are
bound to reside within 90 miles of
their land If they get water next year.
Although it has been proven by some
of the successes this year that one can
make living during the years the
orchard is coming into bearing 'bv
cultivating garden and small fruit
crops during the first years the fail
ure of the past year makes II doublv
hard upon those now on the ground
Many of the present settlers are peo-
pie with businesses or positions in
other places, who are anxious to con-
tnue with the assured income they
have to give up during the pioneer
ing days in the project
The government officials have been
making a sort of liberal interpreta-
tion of the ruling which in a measure
allows this, but it is at best a subter-
fuge, and as. Secretary Garfield has
indicated a desire to assist by a new
ruling 1t Is thought that some agita-
tion of the matter at Albuqueroue
bay assist in the effort being made
here.
1t is 4 known fact that Carey act
projects are settling up faster than
those Of the government of the same
character, as witness the success of
Twin Falls contrasted with Mlnidoka.
The non-residence conditions are re-
sponsible for this state of affairs. ac-
cordng to those who have studied
the matter.
Hermiston people will recommend
that the residence clause will be re-
moved and that there be substituted
therefore a ruling to the effect that
a cerain amount Of improvement be
made on the property each year, or
that some resident, not necessarily the
owner, be required. This will force
a development of the country more
rapidly than under the present
scheme, and will place the opportuni-
ties Of National irrigation within the
reach Of those who are on a salary.