The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-02-21
FOR STATE WATER
Kansas Delegation Wonders
About Irrigation Plan.
Now That Congress HasPrOYided
for Garden City Project.
CURTIS TO SEE 1T.
Will Visit Western Area and
Gather Information.
Ten Bills Giving War Pensions
Have Passed House.

Washington Feb. 21.-Now that con-
gress has enacted into law the bill
which Senator Curtis introduced to en-
able the secretary of the interior to
provide for the Garden City irrigation
project the Kansas delegation are
Wondering what can be done to assist
in developing irrigation i'll western
Kansas
IN the last session of congress, Sena-
tor Curtis presented a bill authorizing
the reclamation service to complete the
Garden City and four other irrigation
projects located in different states.
This measure passed the senate, and
ten days ago Congressman Madison
and Reeder obtained favorable action
upon it in the house by making few
minor amendments. When the bill
reached the senate. Mr.. Curtis secured
the concurrence of that body to the
amendments.
There is some objection to the Gar
den City plan, as under it water is car
ried a number of miles and then turn
ed in on the farm intended to De lrrl-
gated. The better plan is thought to
be the one that has a central pump
ing station and pump the water from
wells on the farm to be irrigated. This
prevents conveying the water long
distance. and is considered less expen-
sive and much more convenient:
Senator Curtis, VINO visited the Gar
den City plant last fall, suggested
change to the central pumping station
plan, but the bill has passed the sem
ate and the amendment could not be
made.
From all reports received here, there
seems to have been revival OF the
talk about various irrigation projects
and plans for western Kansas. At the
request of the southwest part of the
state where the artesian flow has been
tapped. Senator Curtis brought several
suggestions of the parties of that sec
ton to the attention of the officers OF
the department, and they are taking
great interest in the matter.
The people of Coodland have diScoV-
cred a great undertook in that part OIL
the state. The people of Sherman coun-
ty are considering the sadVisablllty OF
prospecting for artesian water, and are
circulating petitions asking the board
to set aside money for that purpose.
They ask the government to do its part
and the plan they suggest has been pre-
sented to the reclamation service by
Senator Curtis.
Mr. Curtis also has presented to the
officers of the reclamation service
water conservation plan, suggested by
the people of Grainfield. Their plan
is to dam large number OF main "a.
vines on the. section lines so that at
times of excessive rainfall the surplus
water may be retained in large bodies
in the country.
There have been plans suggested by
the citizens of Wallace and other west
ern sections of the state.
Senator Curtis says that it is his in
tention to visit the western part of
Kansas from the south to the north
side. and gather what information he
can in regard to the underfloW that is
near the surface-the artesian flow, the
storage and other plans, and he ex-
poets to urge the department to send
experts to that section to study the
question and make full report as to
the best plan.
War veterans PensiOned.
Ten bills have just passed the house
and senate granting increased pensions