The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1914-01-09
reviews THE
Proceedings IN
BADLEY CASE

Editor Caldwell Tribune:
Will you kindly allow me a few
lines in your publication as | wish
to attempt to correct an impression
regarding the removal of Mr.. John
L Bailey, from the Office of Water
master, in the Reclamation Service.
Mr.. Bailey has now been employed
with the govern. ent for nearly II
years as well as serving in the Phil
ippine Islands for three years during
the Spanish-American war, and hav-
ing received an honorable discharge
on completion of service. 1t would
seem that after such a record one
should be entitled to more considera-
ton than was shown by the Recla
nation officials at Washington during
the controversy of the past season.
This man had charge of district
comprising approximately 10000
acres of irrigated land, $50 to 200
miles of canals, including laterais
thereirom, and came into contact with
US to 800 water users, who look to
him for successful and economical OPP
Grafton in the delivery of water TO
them. Mr. Bailey has held the po-
sition of Watermaster for four years
and has been occupied before this
time with the construction of dams
and drainage work. During this time
the number of complaints made have
been very small; do not believe they
will exceed the small number of II, |
and thse complaints have been based |
upon actions of Mr. Badley's which I
are mostly personal affairs, having no
bearing upon his work rendered in
official capacity. This matter is cas-
lily proven by the report of the COM
mittee. appointed by the Water Users
Association of the Boise Project, this
went back into Mr.. Bad |
ley's record for the past seven years
also invited number of the wateruser
even those who were active in making
accusations and the results was that
Mr.. Bailey was eXonerated.
Another instance; charges were
filed against Mr.. Bailey by a water
user and a special meeting of the
board of directors was held to hear
the case and again the charges were
not sustained and Mr. Bailey was
again clearly exonerated The hear
ing brought out the point that Mr..
Bailey had given as near as he pos
sibly could the best service within bis
power. This matter could have been
taken up with the local project engi-
neer for investigation instead of put
ting the water users to the extra ex
pense, but on the contrary it appears
as il this item was not considered but
every effort was made to give the mat
ter all publicity, which could only re-
fleet upon the man charged If cases
Of this kind were required in the form
Of affldavits, perhaps some of this
worthless criticism could be prevent
ed. Suggestions of this kind came
before the board of directors at one
Of their meetings. These instances L
merely show what the general opin-
on is after fair and impartial hear
ng.
The project engineer has stated to
he board that he would investigate
any employee under his direction, if
were rendered in writing.
This is surely fair. but has there ever
been a complaint entered against Mr.
Bailey in this manner, attested be- L
ore a notary? Why are people
Itraid to swear to statements that
hey would wish others to believer
Recently there was petition cir
ulated to the water users in the dis
riot of which Mr. Bailey had charge;
his petition stated that the under
signed believed Mr.. Bailey had oper-
tied the system under his direction
o the best interests of the water users
nd requested that Mr.. Bailey be re-
aimed as Watermaster during the
oming season. To the or 8 people
Tho have created and fostered the
opposition to Mr.. Bailey this petition
'as not presented and with this ex-
option over 90fc OF the waterusers
lgned Mr.. Badley's removal came
hortly after. This is a very remark
Bile record for man in public Office.
his is why | do not believe that due
was given this case. If
SIS than 1870 of the people can cause
removal what can other employees
the Service expect, or is it possible
nat they can give their best efforts
} their work?
In acting in his capacity as Water
Iaster, Mr., Bailey had to follow the
equations provided and if he had fail
| to do so the local officials would
ave dismissed him Immediately. but
this case Mr. Bailey was backed up