Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-03-21
President and Senate Leaders
Place Preparedness Ahead
of Water Measure.
LATTER is NOT TO BLOCK
PROGRESS OF ARMY BILL
Assurance Given, However, of Legis-
lation by Present Congress on
Water Leasing Problem.

A decision to push pending
national defense measures ahead
of the water power bill now be-
fore the Senate was reached at
conference today between Presi-
dent Wilson and Senators Walsh,
Kern, Martin, Swanson, James,
Myers and Stone. 1t was agreed
that water power legislation
should be passed by this Con-
gress, but that it should not in
terfere with the progress of the
army bill.
The form of the waterpower bill was
discussed exhaustively at the confer
ence. Opposition has been expressed
to some features of the Myers bill. now
pending in the Senate, providing for
the leasing of waterpower sites on pub
lie lands. Some senators thought the
bill gives too much authority to the
federal government.
terest in the waterpower bill.
Views of Senator Myers.
Senator Myers, chairman of the pub
lie lands committee, who remained with
the President after his colleague had
left the White House. said later that
he had hopes that the Senate substitute
for the Ferris water power bill could
be enacted into law before adjourn
ment
"Of course, I realize that this bill
ness legislation or appropriations and
revenue measures for meeting the ex-
traordinary expenses of the govern
ment that are contemplated" said Sem
and the appropriations must have the
right of way when they are ready,
and will have it. of course.
But at every opportunity / shall
press the waterpower bill. With the
heavy legislative program before US /
through until fall. If it does it will be
impossible to carry out the plans that
are before u.s."
Substitute Bill Proposed.
A substitute for the Shields water
power and dam bill. recently passed by
the Senate over the strenuous objection
of conservation forces, has beenu draft
ed by the House interstate commerce
committee and will be reported in a
few days.
The new measure. like the Shields
bill. would provide no revenue for the
government in return for dam sites, but
it incorporates virtually all the other
leasing features of conservation meas
ures which have passed the House this
year with the full approval of most
conversationists. A fifty-year lease
clause is provided, the Secretary of
War would be given absolute control
public service commissions charged
with the responsibility of regulating
water power rates. Work on dams
must begin within one year after a
permit is issued and. unless a special
tary of War, completed within
three years.
Limits to Two-Year Extensions.
No more than a two-year extension
may be permitted. Combinations would
be prohibited. No one purchaser could
obtain more than SO per cent of the
output of a single company and no sale
or delivery of power could be made to
a distributing company without the ap-
proval of the Secretary of War.
Chairman Adamson said today he did
not believe either house would pass
bill to provide revenue for the govern
ment. as dams can't be built that way"
Its revenue to get a two-million- dollar
dam built, as it aids navigation, regard
less of what the conservationists may
say" he said.