The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1916-12-29

In the last issue of The Tribune
was printed brief outline OF bill
introduced by Congressman Addison
T. Smith which provides for govern
ment aid for irrigation districts in
floating their bonds. More definite in
formation of the scope of the reclama-
tion work which would be opened up
is given in the following Washington
special to The Tribune.
Arid and Swamp Lands
Washington, D. c., Dec. 28.-lf the
bill recently introduced in the house
bv Congressman Smith of Idaho
should become law it would be an
easy matter to secure capital to re-
claim the arid lands of the west and
the swamp lands OF the south.
Under the provisions Of the measure
it is proposed to authorize the issuance
of bonds upon irrigation and drainage
districts organized under state laws,
which are to be deposited with the
Secretary of the Treasury; the interest
on the bonds to be secured by fund
to be accumulated in the Treasury at
the rate of 100000 per annum from
the proceeds of the sale of public
lands. The bonds are to bear not
more than four per cent interest. With
the guarantee of the government be-
hind the bonds, it is believed that they
will be easily marketed.
The bill also provided that the UNI
entered public lands within the district
to be irrigated or drained shall be di-
vided into farm units of such area as IN
the opinion of the Secretary of the
Interior may be reasonably required
for the support of family. and not
more than one farm unit shall be sold
to the same person, which are to be
sold at public auction to the highest
bidder at not less than the appraised
value.
1t is also provided that one-fourtl
of the land shall be irrigated or re-
claimed by drainage within three
years, three-eighths within four year:
and one-half within five years atte'
the projects are completed
Millions of Acres.
There are about 25,000.000 acres o
arid land for the irrigation OF whicl
sufficient water could be stored II
reservoirs, and there are about Is,
100000 acres of swamp land in tn
United States which, according to en-
gineers reports could be reclaimed
Under the provisions of the propose
law it is believed that capital coul
easily be secured to reclaim the Bru
neau tract in Idaho consisting OF SO
GOO acres, the Minidoka extension cor
sisting of 10000 acres. the Black Car
yon consisting of $4,000 acres. an
numerous similar projects.
Congressman Smith has submitted
copy Of his bill to each Of the men
bers of congress from the arid Ian
states and thei southern states. !
which are situated the swamp land
with the hope OF securing their acti\
cooperation toward the enactment
the proposed legislation.
Mr.. Smith contends that at the cio'
of the European war there will
necessarily curtailment OF activ'
in the manufacturing lines, and tn
there will be hundreds OF thonsan'
of men thrown out OF employment !,
whom provision must be made III I,
way of livelihood. and that with I,
immense quantity OF money III u
banks and trust companies througho
the country, and the high price OF fo'
products. it will be an easy matter
dispose of the lands to bona tide Sc
tiers as rapidly as they can be |,
claimed under the proposed ie9'S'
ton.