The copper era., 1911-02-24
WASHINGTON NEWS LETTER.
Happenings of Interest to the Country, and Affairs at the Capital in Which
 Arizona Figures.
Especial Correspondence.) ]

Especial Correspondence
 Washington, D. C., Feb. I3.-A county seat fight of large proportions is trying to make it's way into the affairs of Congress, but with the con geste1 condition of legislation there is no probability that the citi- zens of Douglas and Bisbee who are amt bilious to remove the seat of Co., chise County from Tombstone to one of the former cities will receive con sideration at the present session. It has been pointed out by the people from Arizona that the romantic old town of Tombstone, which became the county seat in 1882, has suffered greatly from the shutting down of its mines, and it is no longer in the front rank regarding population, as compared with the rivals for county seat honors. To those who under stand the Congressional situation, the futility of attempting to secure action by Congress, on a purely local matter so late in the session, is obvious. There have been many visitors here from Arizona of late, and some of these gentlemen who are not directly interested in the controversy, have pointed out to your correspondent the fact that the ter ritorial statutes provide a method by which a question of this kind may be submitted to the electorate. The attitude of the $committee on terri tories in reference to legislation regarding matters that can be hand led by the people or local authorities of the territory, was distinctly shown in the report of the tax levy bill in which all matters that could be left to the discretion of the board of con- trol was eliminated from the bill, the committee going on record at the time in expressing an opinion that they did not wish to legislate in matters which they could avoid.
 Delegate Cameron has introduced a bill authorizing the Greeley Arizona Irrigation Company to construct, maintain, and operate dam in and across Colorado river at Head Gate Rock, near Parker. It is thought that this measure will settle the con- troversy and remedy the difficulties that have attracted so much attention with the projects under way at Parker. It is provided Tn the bill that the appropriation heretofore made of S50,000 for the construction of pumping plant to be used for irrigation purposes on the Colorado River Reservation, shall become chargeabIe to the Greeley Company in the larger undertaking, for the construction of a dam and water works, and shall constitute a lien Sn the dam and ditches until the con- pany shall have fully reimbursed the Government. Proper safeguards are provided for furnishing the water for irrigation purposes for both the allotted and uHalloted irrigable lands and for other lands proposed to be irriga ated. The Interior Department is authorized and directed to survey and subdivide the Colorado River Indian Reservation allowing ten acres of land to each Indian, opening the remainder of the irrigable lands to entry and settlement. The company is compelled to begin actual con- structiou within two years and to complete their work within five years.
 Delegate Cameron secured the pas sage of the tax levy bill for Arizona, through the House, by having it placed on the calendar through ob. taining unanimous conse nt. The amendments made by the committee on territories have been indicated in this Wash ington correspondence