Gilpin observer., 1912-02-08

can be said to have any government
at all
Lower Colorado River.
There Is transmitted herewith
letter from the Secretary Of the In
terror setting out the work done un-
der joint resolution approved June 26.
1910, authorizing the expenditure OF
1.000,0 900. or so much thereof as
might be necessary, to be expended
by the President for the purpose OF
protecting lands and property in the
Imperial valley and elsewhere along
tho Colorado river in Arizona. The
money was expended and the protec-
tive works erected, but the disturb
ances in Mexico SO delayed the work.
and tho foods in the Colorado river
were 10 extensive that q part OF the
works have been carried away. and
tho need for further action and ex-
penditure of money exists.
Water-Power sites.
In previous communications to Con-
gress have pointed out two methods
by which the water-power sites on
non-navigable streams may be con-
trolled as between the state and the
national government. It has seemed
wise that the control should be con-
centrated in one government or the
other as the active participant In
supervising its use by private enter
prise.
The Secretary of the Interior has
suggested another method by which
the water-power site shall be leased
directly by the government to those
who exercise q public franchise I'M
der provisions imposing rental for
the water power to create fund to
BE- expended by tho general govern
ment for the improvement Of tho
stream and the benefit Of the local
community where the power site IL,
and permitting the state to regulate
the rates at which the converted
power Is sold. The latter method sug-
gested by the Secretary. il a more
direct method for Federal control.
and in view Of the probable union
and systematic organization and weld
ing together of the power derived
from water within q radius OF 300 or
400 miles, think it better that tho
power Of control should remain in
the national government than that
1t should be turned over to the states.
Under such q system the Federal gov
ernment would have such direct su-
pervision of the whole matter that
any honest administration could cas-
| lily prevent the abuses which q monop
oily Of absolute ownership in private
persons or companies would make
possible.
For some years past the high and
steadily increasing cost Of living has
been matter of such grave public
concern that deem 1t Of great public
interest that an international confer
ence be proposed at this time for the
purpose Of preparing plans. to be sub
mitted to the various governments, for
an international inquiry into the high
cost of living its extent, causes, ef
fects, and possible remedies. l there
fore recommend that, to enable the
president to invite foreign govern
ments to such a conference. to be held
at Washington or elsewhere. the con
press provide an appropriation. not tc
exceed $4,000, to defray the expenses
OF preparation and of participation BY
the United States.
Commission on Industrial Relations
The extraordinary growth of indus
try in the past two decades and iti
revolutionary changes have raised new
and vital questions as to the relations
between employers and wage earner'
which have become matters Of press
ing public concern. Industrial rela
tions concern the public for a double
reason. We are directly interested II
the maintenance OF peaceful and sta
BILE industrial conditions for the sak'
of our own comfort and well-being
but society is equally interested. in IT.
effectively civic capacity, in seeing
that our institutions are effectivel!
maintaining Justice and fair dealin,
between any classes OF citizens who's
economic interests may seem Il
clash
The magniture and -complexity o
modern industrial disputes have pu
upon some of our statutes and ou
presen mechanism for adjusting sucl
lifferences-where we can be said I
have any mechanism at ala strait
they were never intended to bear an
for which they are unsuited. What 1
urgently needed to day is a re-exam
Mlsbrandlno Imported Goods.
My attention has been called to tn
injustice which is done in this countr
by the sale OF article In the trad
purporting to be made In Irelant
when they are not SO made. and It
suggested that the Justice OF the enac
ment Of law which. SO far rs the ju
isdiction OF the federal government
can go. would prevent a conunuanc
OF this Misrepresentation to the pull
lilo and fraud upon those who are ell
titled to use the statement in the sal
Of their goods. l think It to be grea
ly iE the interest of fair dealing. whic
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