Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-18
NEWLANDS HASPLAN
Comprehensive Scheme for
Waterways Development.
EXPERTS TO BE ON BOARD
Army Engineers and Reclamation
Forestry, Geological and Other
Bureaus to Formulate Plan.

To outline comprehensive plans for de-
velopment of national waterways and
water resources. Senator Newlands, in q
speech In the Senate today, urged the APP
pointment of a board or boards composed
of army engineers, representatives Of the
reclamation, forestry, geological, geodetic
and weather bureaus and transportation
experts.
Senator Newlands proposed an amend
ment to the rivers and harbors bill pro-
viding for the fulfillment Of this plan. His
speech was to urge the adoption of the
amendment.
Other Interests involved.
while the primary purpose of the
United States." he said. lis to facilitate
water transportation, it is impossible to
perfect the machinery Of the waterways
without taking into consideration the re-
lated questions of forest preservation, OF
irrigation OF arid lands. of reclamation Of
swamp lands, of the development OF water
power and other kindred questions.
1T is necessary to preserve the forests
because they are the natural conservators
Of moisture and aid In the gradual dis
tribution OF waters to the streams. The
construction Of dams and canals for the
cultivation Of the arid region aids in river
control. modifying floods and promoting
stability Of volume. The reclamation OF
swamp lands not only increases cultivable
areas but also aids in the maintenance OF
stable channel.
"The utilization of the water power
created by dams and reservoirs must be
considered and precautions taken to Sc
cure reasonable charges to the public.
While the cost of developing the rivers
for navigation or for any one of the above
uses might be prohibitory. the union of all
~ v1ciry v.1ov, rtOhf lTe
the development of each use practicable. :
Navigation Not Only Purpose.
Continuing, Mr.. Newlands said that
thus far the development Of our rivers
had been conducted in the aid OF naviga-
ton alone, that it was clear that
thorough development of the rivers could
be accomplished only through the union
Of all the uses to which the rivers could
be put 1t was also clear, he urged,
that the development of the rivers for
navigation involved the cooperation of
the railways with the waterways and
the securing of proper transfer facilities.
Although the work OF perfecting chan
nels for navigation had been honestly
and efficiently performed by the Engineer
Corps of the army. Mr.. NeWlands said.
! the formation of broad and compre-
hensive plan made 1t necessary to bring
into consultation and cooperation with
the army engineers the great scientific
and constructive services Of the United
States engaged in related investigations
and inquiries.
1t was the purpose Of his amendment
to authorize the President to bring into
coordination with the Engineer Corps of
the Army, through the appointment OF
a board or boards, the chiefs of these
various services, such as the reclama
ton, forest. geological coast and geo.
detic and weather services. SO that the
knowledge and information and expert
ence of all could be combined in franz
ing effective plans. 1t was also the pur-
pose OF his amendment to authorize the
employment of engineers. constructors
and TRANSPORTATION experts OF eminence