Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1914-12-27

the tributaries. but mono has been com
pletcd in the trunk stream below ST
Paul, except that the Babcock project
has a small power plant where its canal
crosses Beaver creek The Ioup is
larger than the Platte at Columbus dur
ing much of the year In fact, tho Platte
below that point carries mostly Loup
water in late July. August and Septem-
Der.
Five leading filings and grants have
been made along the Loup and lower
Platte. They are known as the Boeus,
Babcock, Commonwealth. Kountze-Pat-
terson and the Ross The first named
project is to take out Of the Middle Loup
southwest of Boelus and divert into the
South Loup. Tho grant is for 1000 sec
ond feet; the head Is twenty-seven feet
and the theoretical horsepower S06S. This
project is TO be developed and owned by
the Grand Island Electric company.
The Fremont Canal and Power company
project is known also as the Richards,
Kountze-Patterson and as the Central
Service corporation. The point OF the
proposed diversion is from the south side
Of the Platte, southeast Of Schuyler. A
canal more than thirty miles long is to
lead eastward across the bottom lands,
along the bluffs and onto the upland to
reservoir site east Of Cedar Bluffs and
southwest Of Fremont The grant lie
1000 second feet, and development of
about 1900 horsepower is proposed over
a head Of $50 feet. Some OF the work has
been done on this project.
Ross Project.
he ty fol s,k q Nhn
east side of the Platte, southeast of Yu-
tan, and from the Elkhorn, south OF
Waterloo. The main canal Is to extend
across the bench at Mela and upon the
bluffs and hills near the state fish
hatcheries located across the river from
South Bend. The total grant Is for 5000
second feet, and the proposed develop
ment is 10000 to 1900 horsepower. with
head Of about seventy feet. The total
theoretical horsepower would be about
| % S6S. Some work has been done on this
project.
1 Just what is to be done on these prof.
ects is a problem. II Is evident that they
cannot meet the conditions of the grants
within the time allowed. Furthermore,
the amount of power which could be de-
veloped in all the projects. about 100000
4
lied under present conditions. The pro-
motors find It difficult to secure funds
for development. In this they have a
great drawback. It is plainly evident
that very little progress is being made.
The state is permitting a few individuals
to speculate on its rights.
Need BETTER Understandings.
! In view of the conditions herein re-
IL hat
be taken In the near future to bring
about a better understanding, and a
definite solution Of these water power
problems. Let everyone having RESPONSE
bIlfty In this matter read It in the light
of state welfare. The following facts
should be kept in views
/. That there are large power posi-
bilities in Nebraska awaiting develop
ment.
2. That one of the states greatest needs
is cheap power.
8. That, under present conditions, no
progress is being made.
Much has been said about the conser-
walton of water power. This does not
mean Withholding from utilization, A
better conception is that conservation Is
development for the most beneficial use.
Thus far much Of the water of Nebraska
has gone to waste. 1t is now running
from the state without utilization. This
should not be, for Nebraska Is practically
without a fuel supply. except for what
is brought from ether states. Nebraska
produces abundantly of farm and ranch
products which go TO power centers fol-
, milling. The state is rich in agricul-
ture, but relatively weak in manufactures
and commerce. This condition is well
known, hence II needs no further discus
: sion. Admitting this we should realize
that greater effort must be made for ar
. "all-round" development OF the state
, But industry follows power. 1t must have
cheap power Let us be encouraged ir
the fact that the state has the water
resources with which to develop power II
: its most desirable form
= BETTER for Local Use.
. Certain advancements Of recent years
: make sure the utilization OF such river
as the Loup and lower Platte. They ar,
, concrete construction, canaliEation ant
long distance transmission. These con
dltions enhance the value OF power sites
, 1t should be recognized, however. tina
most of our streams are too small 70
: use in long distance transmission. The!
are better suited for local use
= Tho conservation os the Loup and tn
d lower Platte deserves attention at thi
time, These rivers are well located wit
respect to the states largest cities. Tn
: power, il developed. could be carried I
d an urban population OF fully 10000 people
II II could be used TO light both city an
q country. to drive the machinery Of speciG
C industries and to draw the cars of cit
and interurban railways. These thing
are desirable and attainable. but there
: not much doing in the way OF construC
, tive effort. Policies are being advocated
j The public is interested in the matter /
q general way. but there is no definit
basis upon which TO decide in favor Q
b any given plan. Those who administe
the law. and all who have anything to d
with the subject. receive more or les
criticism. whether Justly 80 or not TIL
B discussion is from two points OF view-o
ne state, and Of private interests. Thi
, makes It interesting and attractive /
politics. 1t seems that we have no.
r. ached point where this problem shoul