The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1909-07-29
ASK QUESTIONS
Commercial Club Ask Questions Of
the Secretary Of the Interior,

Secretary Ballinger arrived in Cald-
well Saturday on the 'Pony" from
Ontario and was met at the depot by
committee appointed by the CONNER
cial club. The secretary was entertain
ed at luncheon at the Saratoga. After
luncheon he met large number OF
homeatoaders at the Commercial club
rooms. Walter Grifiths presided and
introduced the distinguished visitor.
Secretary Ballinger made a most favor
able impression by the plain outspoken
manner in which he met the people and
answered the numerous questions pro-
pounded.
He frankly stated that he was there
to receive advice and invited any ques-
tions they might gee fit 10 ask. The
Tie secretary also stated that he was
now Of the opinion that he had erred in
his recent ruling where a homestead
had been proved up so lar "a improve
menss and cultivation OF the land, yet
where the payment on the water right
had not bean completed, that the claim
ant could not dispose Of the land and if
he remained Of the game apinion when
he returned to Washington that he
would reverse himseli so far az this
question was concerned,
| Regarding the north side project he
said the matter OF the government re-
linquishment was being oonsidered and
a decision would be arrived at an early
date. secretary Ballingar end party
left on the 40 car for Boise.
The following is list of the questions
submitted by the chairman of the COM
mittee from the Commercial club to
Secretary Rallinger:
Hon. r. a. BalEnear, secretary OF
the interior: We the committee
representing the Caldwell Commercial
Club, which in turn represents the
homesteaders in the district tributary to
Caldwell, desire TO briefly state the diff
culties under which our people labor
to ask some questions, and to respect
fully request that you give the matter
represented herein yorr careful con
sideration.
A homesteader files Oh SO acrea. II,
makes his first water payment to tn,
government. Upon the second pay
ment being due he is unable to meet it
He has to relinquish 40 acres back t,
the government. Does he lose th,
water payment made on the 40 acre
relinquishedP Is it right that he shoul'
Could such payment be arranged t.
apply on his next payment due on 40 re
tainedq
The settlers here will find 1t hard
and in many cases impossible to pa.
more than $500 a year per acre, il
i addition to maintenance charge TO
water. The law at present makes tel
yearly payments. We respectfully asl
your consideration of this matter with
view to your recommending to congres
that the time be extended into sucl
number OF payments as will make th
amount practically $500 per year, plu
maintenance
The adjustment of farm unit b
clerks unfamiliar with local condition
works, in many cases, to the grave Diet
riment of the settler. We respectful
present for your consideration the pla
of the government nominating for eac
project board OF local adiusters, VIII
may determine the lines for each farr
unit.
We respectfully call your attention t
what is locally known as the north sid
project or section ga" OF the P. B. pre-
| iect. The homesteaders ON this Ian
have been patiently waiting your dc
cision. They cannot afford to remai
longer in doubt as to your intentions
They desire government service br
want water. They can get private Ell
terprises to cover the tract, and in cas-
the government cannot take # up wi
do so. We urgently request that yo
Z give an early decision on this matt,
I which means so much to our people.
] The Secretary also mentioned Il
iact that IIaho had received more tina
4 its share of the funds already.