East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1911-01-09
West Extension is Now Al
most Assured Bal|inger
Acts.
OREGON'S PROTEST is
HEARD AND ANSWERED.
Instructions to Complete Final Sur
veys Issued-Increased Allotment OF
Funds to Oregon - Preliminary
Fight Won-Klamath Project Also
Favored.

Inc eNltnSlOn VI Ntst
project is now almost a certainty. So
great has been the storm OF protest
against the way in which Oregon has
been Disseminated against in the re-
cent apportionment of the 10000
irrigation fund, that the officials at
Washington have been moved to ac-
ton. Saturday Secretary Of the Inte-
rlor Ballinger formally approved the
West Umatilla project and issued the
instructions to the reclamation service
to commence Immediately the final
surveys, with a view to beginning con-
struction work.
This means that the West Umailla
project will be built py the govern
ment and practically assures an in
creased allotment to oregon from the
reclamation fund to defray the cost of
construction. No apportionment OF
funds has yet been made, however,
aside from $4,000 which is needed
to complete surveys. Instructions to
the local engineer of the reclamation
service probably will go forward by
telegraph at once.
Preliminary Fight Won.
The first round of the fight for a
square deal for oregon has been won,
but complete victory has not yet been
attained, and will not be until funds
adequate to build this entire project
have been actually allotted by the
president. II has become apparent,
however in the past few days that the
apportionment made on December rs
will have TO be generally revised and
when this is done, II is hoped and
strongly believed in Washington that
funds ample for Umatilla will be
credited for that project.
However, demands are being made
from other states for readjustment of
this fund. and It will be incumbent
upon influential citizens Of Oregon
to keep UP their demands until they
get whatever money is needed, not
only to begin but to complete this pro-
ject.
Klamath Is Favored.
Mr.. BallinGer has not yet committed
himself on the klamath project.
though he spoke faborably OF It Sat,
urday. according to Washington ad-
vices and seemed to be of the opin-
ion that more money would be avail
able after the money now available is
expended. There is unexpended OF
the former allotment 100000 and
the 100000 apportioned from the
$4,000. 900 fund 1t will take prac-
tically s1,50O,000 additional to COM
plete the approved units Of this pro-
ject, but Mr.. Ballinger pointed out
that no emergency exists at klamath
a
without working any hardship.
Oregon's Claim Strongest.
Mr.. Ballinger stated Saturday that
from the standpoint of equity Ore
gon had a better claim than any other
western state for additional allotment
of funds for irrigation and. while 9TH
er states had appealed to him for in
creased allowances, he mad determined
that Oregon's claim should be con-
sidered ahead of all others. Not only
because of Oregon's heavy contribu-
tions did he feel that the state was
entitled to more money, but because
the state in past has reaped but slight
benefits under the reclamation law.
The West Umatllla project, in his
Judgment, is one Of the best projects
IN the country, ana one BiVlnB ldi
more promise OF success than many
that have heretofore received large
appointments. Personally, he IL
much prejudiced in its favor and
wants to see II built.
Mr.. Ballinger furthermore promised
to take up this question again with
the reclamation service and try tc
work out with It some plan for reap
portioning the $4,000 portion Of th'
fund, so that west Umatilla can ge
enough money to start construction.
Just how much money Is eventual
" apportioned to Oregon project!
will depend largely upon the amoun
of influence that is brought to bear
When the s25, 100000 fund is reap
portioned President Taft will &C
largely npon the recommendation
made to him by Secretary Balllnger
and It is fortunate for Oregon that tn,
secretary is fully aware to the injus
tice heretofore done Oregon and Il
disposed to do all ia his power to cor
rect that wrong.
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Thomas Boylen, we'll known sheep
man and sheep dealer, was a passen