Imperial Valley press., 1910-07-02
MILLION DOLLARS APPROPRIATED 10, CLOSE ABEJ0S BREAK
 AND BUILD LEvEE IN MEXICO
ef and Vigorous Campaign Results in Action By Congress To Protect Irrigation Systems of Southwest. Most Encouraging News Ever Given to People of n
 Imperial and Yuma Valleys.

Last Saturday afternoon the news came from Washington that Congress had placed a million dollars in the hands of the President, to be spent at his discretion in the construction of protective works on the Colorado river, and when it was posted upon the Press bulletin board it made everyone that read it as cheerful as if the million had been an unexpected legacy from rich uncle.
 The good news spread over the val ley almost with speed of a wireless message, and within an hour the mer- chants noted revival of business. Notices of suspension of credit were torn down in a hurry and leash only" signs were tossed into waste baskets. Smiling confidence took the place of gloomy worry, and citizens slapped one another upon the back and eXulted over the rescue of the valley from the slough of despond. The news was the Aolore welcome because it was unex- pected, the most optimistic having Nseen hardly more than one chance in, a thousand that Congress could be induced to take up in the last hours of its session a duty that it had re- fused for more than three years to consider.
 Telegrams of grateful appreciation were sent by the Fl Centro Chamber of Commerce to Senator Flint and Congressman Smith, and the commit tee of citizens that inaugurated the movement to obtain government aid was praised for its good work.
 President Saves the Day.
 Prior reports from Washington had been discouraging, but on Saturday morning President Taft took the mat ter in hand and sent to Congress the following message:
 ITO the Senate and House of Rep resentatives:
 'T am advised that the situation on the Lower Colorado River is exceed ingly serious, and that, unless quick Hrelief can be had, thousands of people land millions in land values will be jeopardized.
 q suggest the passage of joint resolution putting at my disposal suitable sum to meet this eXigency. This is the same locality in which t,, nd died by MT. Harriman's acting on the rejuest of my predecessor. It seems likely that immediate steps ought to be taken to prevent great destruction of life and property.
 q suggest that the resolution au- thorize the expenditure of this money on either side of the international boundary, and the President be au- thorlzed to secure the permission of the Republic of Mexico.
 (Signed) WILLIAM H. TAFT"
 Both houses thereupon passed the resolution appropriating a million dol lars for protection of lands and prop erty along the Colorado.
 How the Tide Was Turned. (News dispatches from Washington
 Announcing the passage of the reso- vuhon said it seemed hopeless in the morning to look for any action by Congress. Senator Flint called up his resolution and Kean promptly of fered an objection to its consideration, although it was apparent that he real ly knew nothing about its merits.
 Senator Flint then hastened to the White House to appeal for Executive assistance. There he found Con gressman Smith; together they laid the case before the President, who listened to them attentively and then said that he had dispatch from Gen. Otis. This, he said, had convinced him of the need for vigorous action and immediately he prepared the mes sage which gave Congress the cue for its action.
 The Appropriation Committee hay )ing declined to act in the matter, Sen Iator Flint had to introduce his reso- Nutlon and it went through without yobjection. Congressman Smith got