The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-02-07
Washington, D. c., Jan. 81.
Northwest Press Association.
| T;fIn 70 lands

| Northwest Press Association.
Title to Irrigated Lands
| During the past week Senator Bor-
ah has had several conferences with
Secretary Garfield and Director New
ell of the reclamation service, in an
effort to secure some measure of re-
lief for settlers ON the Minidoka tract.
Numerous requests have come to the
senator from representative men on
that tract asking his cooperation
along various lines. The one matter
that seems. to demand the greatest
attention has to do with passing of
| title to the settler, and while giving
4 no little time to all phases of the ir-
rigation question, Senator Borah has
during the week concentrated his eff
forts on a possible satisfactory solu-
ton of the title problem. The De-
partment has determined that settlers
on irrigated tracts can make final
proof at the end of five years resi-
dence, if all water payments are
made. 1t is represented to Senator
Rorah by many settlers that this viii
not lift all their burden and that ad-
ditional legislation is necessary. 1t is
pointed out that many of the set
tiers on the north side will have
lived there four years before having
received water, and it was declared
unreasonable to expect them in one
years time to pay out on their water
contract
From the tract comes requests that
a law be enacted permitting the set
tier on making proof of five years
residence, that some sort of title
shall pass to him from the govern
ment, subject to unpaid water dues
on which he can secure loan.
Fully approaching the quandry of
the settlers and desiring that they
be given prompt and effective relief,
Senator Borah took up with the Sec
rotary of the Interior and Director
Newell the various questions present
ed, emphasizing the necessity of some
action as to title passage, of which
in some form would enable the set
tier to borrow money to carry on his
business.
The officials referred to expressed
themselves as being willing to indorse
any plan that would not jeopardize
the governments interests in secur-
ing payment for water rights. They
objected to the plan suggested from
the tract on the ground, that under
it the government would likely be
compelled to resort to the courts to
forclose liens and to take other steps
that might be detrimental to all in
terests. They urged that the only
proper course was to withhold title
until payment had been made for the
water.
Senator Borah is satisfied some
just and equitable solution can be
arrived at, and is giving the matter
much attention and thought. He feels
sure some plan can be devised that
will protect the settler and secure
the government against loss or en-
tanglements. He is working the mat
ter out along several lines and hopes
to soon be in position to present some
plan that will be entirely acceptable
to the government and wholly salts
factory to the settlers.
He understands the hardships the
settlers have experienced in their un
selfish and praiseworthy efforts to
build up a great empire within the
confines of Idaho, and he will direct
his energies to the enactment of laws
that will furnish them the greatest
possible measure of relief and en-
enlargement.
In this work he has the hearty CO.
operation of his colleagues, but as
he lives in the arid section of the
state and If, perhaps, more in d.
rect touch with irrigation matters
than the northern members, he feels
it is up to him to take the lead in
connection Herewith and to give the
subject, which is of evershadowing
Importance, the benefit of his best eff
forts. Senator Borah is member
of the Committee on Irrigation of
the Senate, and as such will have
much to do in directing the course
of legislation referred to that COM
committee.