East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1915-01-12

hope for the establishment OF an irri-
gation situation reasonably satisfact-
ory TO settler and investor.
Under the supervision OF the desert
land board. oregon has just complet-
cd. with considerable credit. the first
Irrigation project ever built by a state.
Il Is now for you to provide legisia-
ton governing the maintenance OF
that project. I earnestly hope that
the rules devised will insure business
methods. and TO me II seems desirable
that 30 far as feasible the affairs OF the
project be left in the settlers hands.
rather than have them become a mi
nor detail OF some governmental de-
partment. I further suggest that the
funds received by the state from the
sale OF Tumalo lands be segregated in
revolving fund, to be utilized at
some future time for further irrigation
aid. under state supervision; interest
at all times, however, to be paid the
state for the s45O,OOO originally ad-
vanced.
Fish and Game In state.
For the department OF fish and
game bespeak your friendly consid-
Grafton. The commercial fisheries
provide our third greatest industry
and everything that can be done. on
a business basis, toward the natural
and artificial propagation Of fish and
their protection is entitled to support
From the standpoint of recreation
the resources OF the state in fish and
game are OF great consequence. and
should continue to be, as they are to-
day. one OF Oregon's strongest attrac-
tions to the visitor as we'll as a health
full boon to the resident,
In the conduct OF this department
strict economy and businesslike pro-
cedure are essential, not only on be-
half OF the taxpayer but in justice to
the work itself, whose continuance up
on a worthy scale can only thus be
assured. Whatever method may be
followed in handling the revenue de-
rived from fish and game licenses. 1t
is my opinion that justice to the
sportsmen OF the state, who exclusive
ly provide this money, demands that
II should be expended for fish and
game propagation and protection
Capitalization OF administration and
responsibility in this department, as
in others. is highly desirable.
Legislation permitting the estab-
lishment of hydro electric power dis
tricts would tend, / believe, to
speedier development OF the state. l
would favor the creation of districts
somewhat along the line Of existing
irrigation district procedure, whereby
groups of individuals in a community
may band together for the cooperative
development OF the waterpower re-
sources OF their neighborhood. BY
such a pooling Of interest and COM
munlty- bonding. so TO speak. small
communities and farmers could put
to beneficial use natural resources
now entirely wasted. The same meth
cd could also be applied in the rec
lamation OF unimproved areas. nota'
bly, stump and undrained land. by the
establishment Of some system OF land
improvement districts.
The important events of this sum-
mer on the Pacific coast are the ex-
positions in California. The last leg
islature provided for Oregon's repre-
sentation at San Francisco with rea-
sonable generosity. AS these great
fairs in our sister state mean much
to us through their exploitation OF
the entire coast, as an exhibition
place for our own resources, and in
the travel they will bring to oregon.
l hope that nothing will be done now
to diminish our opportunity Of max
ing a brilliant showing at San Fran
cisco. Especially is this desirable
in view of California's generous con-
sideration of our own Lewis and
Clark fair SO through you I urge
the people Of oregon to participate in
California's season of celebration to
the fullest degree.
Conclusion.
There is much more that might be
said and with propriety But rather
than burden You further with formal
utterances, I shall refer simply to the
present happy situation OF the state
OF Oregon. Surely there Is cause fol
infinite gratitude and Thanksgiving
among us now when God smiles here
upon a land OF peaceful plenty, while
so much of the world is plunged IN
warfare and want
With an administrative platform
based on fundamental state develop
ment, sane economy and honest, bust
nessllke procedure, I now close this
my first message. And in closing
deire to express to you my confidence
In the exceptional ability and higi
purpose OF this twenty eighth legis
latlve assembly, and to reiterate m!
earnest desire OF cooperating will
you. and all the officers of the state
to the utmost OF my ability.
have purposely made this mes
sage far briefer than has been Gus
tomary, seeking rather to have 1t ech'
something Of my hopes for the futur'
than to be wearisome recapitulatioI
Of the past. It has, at least, convey
ed to you and the people OF Oregon
my deep sense of appreciation 70,
the honor and responsibility that hav'
been given me.
JAMES WITHYcoMBE.
Governor