The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1913-10-24

friedrich H. Newell, director of the
United States Reclamation Service,
visited the Payette- project this
week. Mr.. Newell is making a tour of
the west investigating conditions on
the different government projects.
While here he stated that he was we'll
pleased with the progress of the
reclamation work and especially on
this project
Mr.. Newell urges the state to get
behind the Carey act projects and re-
deem her impaired irrigation secur-
ities. The state gave out the impress
sion that it was behind these Carey
act projects and it is now the duty
OF the state to assume full respons-
ibillty. In an interview given out
while Mr.. Newell was here he stated.
IF the people OF Idaho will show
that they appreciate their responsible
ity in this matter, for every dollar the
state will put up for use in complet-
ing these projects the reclamation
service can readily be induced to put
up a dollar. The service has the
funds and will meet the state half
way.
with the exception OF the Twin
Falls South Side tract every big
Carey act project in Idaho has been
unsuccessful. The state gave out the
impression that it stood behind these
projects and people who have in
vested their money in these irrigation
securities, only to see the investment
wiped out. are expecting Idaho to
make good
II do not make this statement in a
spirit Of criticism, but in desire to
help. The reclamation service stands
ready to help, but the state must
make the first move. Oregon found
herself in the same position that
Idaho stands today She joined hands
with the reclamation service and her
projects are now in fair way to be
completed Oregon put up $45O,OOO
and the reclamation service a like
amount. 'fN
Until these projects are made good
only the. government will be able to
hnance irrigation enterprises of any
KIND. AS 1t is now, you can't sell an
irrigation bond, and that condition is
a direct result of the failure of these
Carey act projects.
with that condition existing, and
there being at the same time a de-
nand for the completion of more ir-
riigation projects, it is imperative that
the government have funds with
which to carry on the work. Secre-
tary Lane of the interior department
is. asking for $l00,000OOO as a loan
for reclamation work. A few years
ago that would have sounded like
tremendous sum, but it does not seem
to be causing great deal of stir now,
and would not be at all surprised
if it were Forthcoming"
While. in this vicinity Mr.. Newell
will inspect the work at Arrow Rock
and go over the Boise-Payette pro.
ject. He will check up on the work
that has been done thus far toward
s;s, .ag drainage fof the Pioneer ir-
81. Drainage Big Problem.
"This drainage problem is one of
the most important that the recla-
nation service now has to solve"
said, Mr.. Newell SIT is vital one.
Wherever irrigation has been prac-
tlced for any length of time from
one-quarter to one-third of the lands
has been ruined from the application
of too much water.
what is needed most is a CAM
paign of education, and that is what
we intend to inaugurate. Through
the application of too much water the
farmers have been running their lands
by washing out the fertility of them.
Then, too, they must be taught to
use large head of. water for irriga-
tion, putting the water on quickly
in large quantities instead of keeping
small stream running for an ex-
tended period of time. This campaign
of education must be carried on while
drainage systems are being built"