The times-herald. [volume] (Burns, Harney County, Or.) 1896-1929, 1915-11-13

irrigation districts. Commercial
organizations and officials thro-
ughout the country are endeavor-
ing by every means possible to
strengthen the standing Of these
bonds on the market. Take the
bonds back to the markets Of the
East now and you meet the fact
that the very laws on which they
are based are in doubt, their val
idity being questioned.
What has happened locally dur
ing the delayed pendency Of the
adjudication? The p. l.. S. Co,
has spent more money and done
more work on bitches, irrigation
and drainage works in the past
two years than Ia all the thirty
years II has been claiming title
to the lands in It's possession.
For the purpose Of developing
the country for settlers. railroads
and permanent prosperity? No.
For the purpose Of fixing its
grasp more firmly on the country.
The bitches and works in the
Silvies Valley are on lands neces-
sary for storage reservoir site.
and are being put in for the pur-
pose Of preventing their acquisi-
ton for this purpose.
The installation and operation
Of the Company's Boat Ford
dam. whereby large part Of
the water Of the East Fork was
thrown westward over the COM
pany's lands. caused water clai-
mants in the lower part Of the
valley 10 petition for the present
adjudication proceeding. After
the smaller claimants down in
the Lawen country put in their
proofs and testified to conditions
and use Of water entirely satis-
factory to Mr.. Treadwell. the
company dropped down to the
northeast corner of its big Red
S fad and haye constructed
bitches and works whereby what
ever water passing the Boat Ford
dam can be again turned west
ward over the company's lands.
The lower portion of the valley
can thps be deprived Of all its
water, is this for the purpose
Of developing the eountry or Of
forcing the claimants and per-
haps the State Water Board to
commence some more new. heal
thy litigation that can drag its
useful life out through the
courts? The ordinary citizen,
having respect or at least a
wholesome fear Of the law. would
first apply for and secure permits
for appropriating water before
constructing works.
The state of Oregon has ques-
toned the title 90 certain lands |
claimed by the p. l.. s. Co. In |
this county. including much OF
that involved in the adjudication. |
Suit to cancel the Company's
title was instituted more than Is
months ago and the issues are
Joined. Our representative in
the last legislature. Hon. Frank
provided money for in.
vestigation and securing wit
nesses and evidence IN the case.
Early in the session a bill was in
carrying a So. 900 appro-
priation for the case and MIR.
Davey states that sufficient sup
port was promised to insure it's
passage regardless of the report
Of the ways and means commit
tee. Later, at the request of
Representative Cobb, Chairman
Of the Ways and Means Com
this bill was withdrawn
on the representation that money
for the suit would be included INF
the general appropriation bill for
the attorney Generals Office.
rhe latter bill passed appropriate
ng $40, 900. without any restric-
lions, for all land fraud cases,
the p, i. s. Co. suit.
Certain state officials haveI
gone on record in favor Of dis
Missing this suit oatensibly on
he ground that il was stale and
nterferred with big business.
the big business Of q foreign
.attle company being superior to
he deyelopment Of a large sec
ion Of remote and thinly settled
central Oregon.
Atty, Gen. Brown, head OF the
tate's legal department, is con-
'inced that the facts should be
thoroughly investigated and II
he state has a reasonable chance
hat ii should be tried out. Some ,