Imperial Valley press., 1910-06-25

at that point.
 Mir. Sellew stated very positively that any recession of grade now exist ing by reason of the Bee river situation istng by reason of the river situation could not affect in any degree the safety or stability of the Laguna dam, as the dam could be defended readily against the cutting back. Mir. Sellew. however frankly said that if the water now flowing via the Bee river should find it's way into the old New River channel, as Mir. Clarke thinks entirely possible, the recession of grade, if unchecked, would inevitably result not only in the drying up of the c. D. canals but would destroy the structure that has been installed by the Reclamation Service at Laguna.
 Mir. Sellew has always been of the opinion that the control of the lower Colorado is problem which, because of it's magnitude and the various com plications and intricacies arising from international relations, should be dealt with by the United States and Mexi- can governments
 "He said decidedly that it would be very hazardous, if not absolutely dis astrous, to delay the work of cutting off the Bee river break over the next flood season. The people of Imperial Valley should bestir themselves with out delay and endeavor to induce the United States government to assume control of the lower Colorado and save to the general public not only the investments already made in Im- perial Valley, aggregating $20,000,00 but also the vast area of the public domain that should yet be redeemed by existing works at Yuma and at Hanlon heading, aggregating perhaps 500,000 acres"
 The committee communicated by wire with Representative Smith and ascertained that Congress would ad- journ before any committee from the valley could arrive in Washington. The following telegram was then sent to MT Smith and to Senator Flint
 situation on Colorado river ex- tremely critical River has left it's old bed at point IS miles south of Imperial canal heading running west on grade that threatens cut back in main channel of Colorado similar to that in New River. If unchecked be- fore next flood season, entire work and investment in Imperial Valley threatened with total loss and future reclamation of 500,000 acres of public domain rendered impossible. Under treaty relations and all conditions U. s. and Mexican governments should immediately assume control of the lower Colorado. If matter goes over to next session, may be forever too late. Request joint resolution autho- rising President to act at discretion Advise consulting Newell. Think he will concur in opinion as to necessity of immediate action.
 (Signed) R. E.. Wills, R. D. McPher- rim"
 The committee and engineers went to the intake, observed conditions in the canal above and below the gate and were relieved to find no immediate danger of shortage of water supply. The bottom of the intake canal abkve the gate is eight feet above the floor of the headgate. The bed of the canal below the gate at the point where silt deposit has been greatest is six feet lower than the bar in the intake. The bed of the river channel is ten and half feet lower than the floor of the gate, but may silt up some as the river subsidies. These conditions convince the committee that if the intake is dredged from the channel to the gate to a depth below the level of the gate sill plenty of water can be delivered through the canal at the low water stage of the river this sum- mer, and the committee recommends that the intake be dredged and that the water companies supply Receiver Holabird with money to pay for the work
 A dredging company in Los Angeles is ready to put it's outfit into the in take at once and clear it out to a depth two feet lower than the gate