The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1916-03-10
HOLT SUGGESTS BLACK
CANYON PEOPLE FORM.
ULATE PLAN

B. NJ Holt has just returned from
an extensive trip east, visiting Canada,
New York and Washington on bust
ness matters and taking a Florida
coast fishing trip.
While in Washington Mr.. Holt call
ed upon Senator Borah and Congress
man Addison T. Smith Both of these
gentlemen appeared astonished when
informed that the settlers of the Black
Canyon district had not fully agreed
to abandon the proposition of obtain
ing government help to water the dis
trict upon the reclamation service
retaining a section of $4,000 acres.
Some one had evidently made
strong representations to these gem
tlemen that such was the case and
they were proceeding upon such pre-
sumption. 1t is claimed that Engi-
neer Weymouth, now at Denver, in
his report to the Department, either
made recommendation or assertion
that the settlers were willing to fore
go any right they might have, if the
government would undertake the rec
lamation of tract of $4,000 acres
| that cam be easily watered.
The Tribune was unable to get into
touch with Mr.. Weymouth in time for
| this issue, but will endeavor 10 get
some statement from him for next
| week.
Settlers Should Organize.
Both Senator Borah and Congress
man Smith suggested to Mr.. Holt
that the thing for the settlers to do
was to get some definite proposition
as to exactly what they wanted-no
| generalities, but point blank propo-
sition that is feasible and has the
backing Of facts-and that under such
conditions lay the only hope of any
favorable action in the near future.
| Sentiment is already crystallizing
among the settlers that now is the
time to organize and see that proper
representations are prepared covering
definite proposition to put UP to the
Reclamation Service and to Congress.
| The South Side settlers would I'M
doubtedly act in harmony with the
Black Canyon settlers, as by this
means they would be enabled to re-,
duce the cost of the Arrowrock dam,
which will be assessed to them. Thus
far only some 10000 acres can be
found upon which to assess the cost
of the dam and anything which will
help to distribute the cost over a
wider field will probably be welcomed
The Reclamation Service report,
we are informed, enough surplus wa
ter in the dam to cover the irrigation
. of about $4,000 acres. If they admit
, this. the surplus will probably cover
) a larger area, as the Service officials
, are rather conservative now If the
Black Canyon district would agree to
buy this water, they could begin OPP
: erations at once and in a few years
: build power plants and pump water
from the Payette as a supplementary
} supply to cover the whole district.
! 1t is an established fact that new
land uses more water than after it has
: been irrigated for several years. By
: the time the first land watered had
: been brought under proper irrigation
there would be surplus of water to
:, start new land; and by that time the
district could have pumping propo-
sition started.
: Several settlers have announced
their determination to try and arous,
interest among their fellows to star
A something. They will probably hole
: meetings and get some definite plar
:, outlined in the near future.