Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-01-11
TAFT'S BILL SURE TO
PASS SAYS ELkINS
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cording to their. greatest apparent use,
with the continuing power Of re
| classification to meet the changing
conditions and increased knowl edge
of their character, which may necessi-
tate the transfer of lands from time
to time from one class to the other.
! Secretary Ballinger's proposal that
the right to mine be separated from
the title to the soil will be approved
by the president. A like recommenda-
ton will be made with reference to oil
and gas fields in the public domain.
| With respect to the water power sites
Mr.. Ballinger has continued the policy
of the last administration by tempo
rarily withdrawing from all forms of
entry more than 100000 acres, cover
ing all the locations known to pos
sess power possibilities.
The president will want confirma-
ton by law of this action He will ask
that the proposals which Mr.. Balm
ger made with respect to government
tai control over water power develop
ment be adopted in order to guard
against any monopoly or extortionate
charges and provide full public pro-
lection against all abuses.
Reforms Asked by BaIIinger.
Mr.. Ballinger sought measure au-
| thorizing the classification of all lands
capable Of being used for water power
development and the disposal of power
under we'll defined restrictions. The
conditions he desired follow:
1. That title to such lands be reserv-
ed in the federal government, and only
an easement granted for the purpose
of developing and transmitting cleo
trical power for private and public
tuse and for the storage of waters for
power, irrigation and other uses.
Z That such easement be granted for
a limited period, with maximum of
at least thirty years, and option Of re-
newal for stated periods upon agreed
terms.
3. That the entry shall be accompan.
| led by plans and specifications cover
Ing the works sought to be installed
and covering the maximum horse pow
er capable of development at such
site, also, that substantial entry fee
be paid to show good faith, and that
transfer to the United States of the
necessary water rights to permit of an
estimated power development be made
4. That the construction period al
lowed the entrymen for the develop
ment of at least % per cent of such
power shall not extend beyond four
years, Or such further time as may be
granted by the secretary of the inter
ior upon proper showing.
5. That moderate charge shall be
made on the capital invested, or upon
the gross earnings of the project for
the first ten years of operation, adj
justed at each subsequent ten year
period, and equitabl~ determined by
appraisement
6. That all rights and easements
shall be forfeitable for failure to make
| the development within the limitations
! imposed, or upon entry into any con-
tract or combination to charge or fix
rates beyond a reasonable profit on
the investment and the cost Of opera
| ton, or entry into any agreement or
combination to limit the supply of
electrical current, or failure to oper-
ate the plant; and
| T. That all the books and accounts
shall be subject to the inspection of
the department.