Gunnison news-champion., 1914-08-14
SETTLERS TO ME TWENTY nls Io
PAT F0 MATER WncI IS NIPPLE TINE
Congressman Heating Details Struggle IN Congress for
This New Law.-Rwal Credits Engage the
Close Attention of AL

After a prolonged struggle the House
has passed the Senate bill granting resi-
dents ON reclamation projects twenty
years in which to pay for their water
rights. The western members, led by
Taylor of Colorado. Hayden of Arizona
and Rsker of California made gallant
fight but they would have been impotent
if it had not been for the powerful
support of Secretary Lane and Con
gress Oscar Underwood, the leader of
the majority.
The battle ragged around the proposal
to compel water users to pay interest
on their deferred payments. The Wes1'
terners pointed out that this was clear
violation of the understanding between
the settlers and the Government and
pleaded that the contract should not be
changed in so vital a matter at this late
date. The Ultra a-conservationists, cap
tanned by Leader Mann of the Republi-
can minority, Madden of Illinois and
Sherley of Kentucky argued that Uncle
Sam was Untitled to interest on ''his in
vestment. Their reasoning was very
plausible to those who were not
familiar with Western conditions, and,
unfortunately, seventy-five per cent Of
my colleagues never saw an irrigation
ditch, dry land claim or a forest
rangers lodge.
| am convinced that we would have
gone down to defeat if Underwood had
not come to our resecue.
who are we asking tc pay this in
terest, Mr.. Chairman" he exclaimed.
"Are they the great corporation of this
country? Is it the great wealth of the
country? Is it well-to-do people? No,
We are asking a lot of people who we're
unable to buy home for themselves up
to this time. who were invited to the
West for free home, many of whom
have been living in sand and dirt for
years without water, without schools,
without houses in which to shelter
themselves and their families and bat
ting on the naked desert for living
(applause) in order that they may have
what God should give to every man on
earth-a home for himself and family. "
(applause).
On the first test vote we won by lust
four votes. entirely too close for com
fort, but after that our margin gradual
y widened. | do not like to coutem-
plate what would have happened if it
had not been for that speech of Unde-
woods.
RURAL CREDITS AGAIN
I The big question before Congress at
/ the December session will be the proper
establishment Of a rural credit system.
[ With the assistance of gentleman who
has given much thought to the subject.
have prepared and introduced a bill
creating Bureau Of Farm Loans in the
Treasury Department. 1t is a lengthy
/ measure but its vital features NAV be
stated in two sentences:
Z The existing limit on deposits in pos
tai savings banks is removed. and
] The money thus secured is loaned on
farm mortgages at four per cent.
I The scheme is not new although We
put in great deal Of time and thought
on the details. Australia is doing the
same thing and dong it most success
fully. Of course, that does not mean.
that It would work in this country. but
it does indicate that the idea Is worth
considering.
have number Of copies Of my bill
and vii be glad to distribute them
among those who are sufficiently inter
ested in the subject to send me their
names and addresses.
want II understood. however. that
this Is only a tentative draft-sonethine
TO provoke debate and suggestions for
Improyenents-and that brickbats viii
be Just as warmly welcomed as will
bouquets.