The Redwood gazette., 1911-01-17
Wealth In Waterpower.

That one of the greatest assets Of
Minnesota is potentiality of $685.
700 horsepower in its lakes and
rivers, that with 113, 100 horsepower
developed there still remains the
enormous value of 440,600 horse
power still untouched, and that this,
and drainage, navigation and santa
tation of watershed problems make
the greatest economic question be-
fore the people of the state, is con-
densation of the report of the state
drainage commission, covering the
investigation into the water power
resources of Minnesota, submitted
today to the governor. Authorized
by legislative act of April 20, 1909,
to make such investigation as should
lead into new economic ground and
make known to what extent the de-
velopment of water power is possible
in Minnesota, the investigation has
been exhaustive.
Recommendations are, that the
state conserve the water powers,
not by locking them up but by using
them, with due regards for the
rights of the people. The state, the
report says. should map out a def
mite policy which shall establish for
all time the principles and proceed
ure governing this control. whether
for power or municipal purposes or
benefits to navigation or. public
health.
George A. Ralph, chief engineer
of the commission, in cooperation
with Robert Follansbee, district en-
gineer of the United States geologic
al survey, Investigated the developed
and undeveloped water power. The
estimate of $50. 700 total horsepower
possibility is based upon the omis-
sion of power development posibili-
from water in storage. The exact
extent to which water in storage
could be available for power devel-
opment purposes is indeterminate,
but the actual total possibility for
the state Of Minnesota. including
water storage. is the stupendous
aggregate of 750. 600 horsepower. p
The war department surveys en-
brace the Winnibigoshish, Leech
lake. Pokegama, Pine river and
Sandy lake reservoirs. which carry
SO, ,000, 900. 900 cubic feet of water.
The power possibility contained
therein raises the 553, 700 potential
ity to 10000.
Governor A. O. Eberhart. Samuel
G. Iverson, state auditor, and Julius
A. Schmahl. secretary of state, COM
prise the state drainage commission.
Their letter of submission attached
to the report says that the people of
Minnesota have not fully awakened
to the great Importance of a proper
solution of the great problems in
volved in the water supply and
power possibilities of the state, and
that Minnesota, besides extensive
forests, vast iron or deposits and
other minerals, has water supply
equalled by few states.
mo one question is of more vital
Importance for the consideration of
the state legislature than the matter
of protecting and developing the
water resources Of the state" the
letter says.
Maj. Mershon. U. S. water-power
expert, writing to the Mankato
Free Press declares enthusiastically
that the mere development of navi-
cation in the Minnesota river as far
up as Morton and the development
of 5000 electric horsepower at Mon
tevi deo is mere bagetelle to what
can be got by proper improvement
by the state. 1t means nothing for
Mankato, New Ulm, Ortonville,
Montevideo or the state at large.
It's effect would be the curtailment
of at least 100000 horsepower in the
Minnesota valley and better naviga-
tion for the state. He states that
no state in the Union has the oppor-
tunity in water wealth of Minnesota
to concentrate and build up no less
than seven commercial develop
ments under one plan and one sys-
tenn.
AS stated before. the genius Of
xvc fornoyuor sC Tho <rraokac4 Il