Imperial Valley press., 1910-04-09

sion, and there is nothing to indi- cate that the commission ever heard of the Colorado river Apparently this commission went to sleep SO long ago that it's existence was forgotten, and another commission was appoint ed to do it's work. The second com mission also appears to be slumbering peacefully on the job, while the va grant Colorado is wandering all over Lower California and trying to break into Imperial Valley again. The cor respondence relating to these commis- sions is interesting.
 On March 1, President Webster, oft the Associated Water Companies. wrote to Senator Flint: twill you kindly inform us whether there ex- ists an active joint commission of the United States and Mexican govern ments for the purpose of control of the Colorado river? We are inform ed that there is such a commission, and if so will you kindly advise us whom to address? If no such body exists, it is our purpose to urge the creation of one and to present argu- ments. In the latter case, kindly ad- wise what steps to take"
 Senator Flint replied: 'I have to advise you that there is commission known as the United States and Mex ioO VVator poundorx Cop,p,;e.;c,, o.l that the American commissioner is Gen. Anson Mills, whose address is Dupont Circle, Washington, D. c. This commission was appointed under the provisions of the treaty of 1884 and the treaty of 1S89 I am inform ed at the State Department that the commission is not now doing anything relative to the Colorado river but Gen, Mills can doubtless give you full details of the works There is like wise a Rio Grande Commission, the American commissioner being MT. Louis c. Hill, whose address is care of the Interior Department, Washing ton. However I am advised that the jurisdiction of this commission does not extend to the Colorado"
 Concerning the latter commission, the Senator appears to have been in- correctly advised The following let- ter explains the situation:
 April l, 1910. Senator Frank Flint
 Washington D. c.
 Dear Sir:
 Concerning the control of the Colorado river as per your communication of the Sth ulto, we are informed that there is a Colorado River Commission, consisting of MT. L. c. Hill for the United States and Fernando Beltram Y Puga for the Republic of Mexico. It appears that this Commission is inactive for some cause, and we have heard that they are not 1T friendly terms on account of difference some former transaction. /3
 Would it not be possible to h 4 third member appointed on this com mission, and the Commission instructed and authorized to investigate and re- port conditions of the river from the Laguna dam as far towards it's mouth as necessary for controlling the works to be established TOT our protection? Also to have the Commission instructed to ap- portion the water of the Colorado river between the United States and Mexico?
 What we desire is that the matter be taken up immediately, either through the Commission already established or a special Commission to be established with power to go into the matter thoroughly and to report and recommend what Is necessary, and further, that the Depart ment of State be instructed to draw a treaty with Mexico covering the require ments of the Commissioners report,
 We know that our future success or ruin depends upon the control of the river, and that until it Is controlled, we face the most grave danger of the rivers liability of breaking out again and do- ing us inestimable damage
 In the event of a commission being es- tablished. we would respectfully ask that if consistent and possible, at least one member of the Commission be appoint ed from the Imperial Valley: one who Is vitally interested in our welfare and has property interests here.
 We respectfully refer you to MT. Newell. of the Reclamation service who con- cedes that this matter Is of the utmost importance 10 the project at Yuma, as well as ours
 Now. what can we do at this end to help the matter along? We will endeavor to act promptly on any suggestion from you.
 Very truly yours.
 Associated, ter Companies.
 F s. WEBSTER. Pres.