Spray courier. (Spray, Or.) 1???-19??, 1916-01-06

Portland - Cooperation among al
interests affected in irrigation enter
prises and government and state guar
antees of interest on bond issues are
the features on which are centered
the deliberations of the Fifth An
nual Oregon Irrigation congress, In
session here this week The Jones bill,
which proposes to provide for govern
mental underwriting Of irrigation
bonds, will be an active issue. A SEN
timent to promote the movement pro-
viding for an initiative law to get the
state to make guarantees also was evil
dent.
E. G. Hopson, consulting engineer
for the United States reclamation
service, spoke in behalf Of movement
to put irrigation enterprises on q
firmer basis than they have occupied
under the Carey act. More co-opera-
tion among state, Federal and individ-
ual interests, and to establish the con-
fidence of Eastern investors in irriga-
tion enterprises, he said, were prime
necessities. He said Western irriga-
tion enterprises needed TO be popular
lied In the minds Of Western people,
as well as Eastern investors. He de-
clared he believed few enterprises
henceforth would be developed by pri-
vste capital.
Congress will give aid sooner when
it feels that the Western states are Co
operating dollar for dollar" he said.
Governor James Withycombe spoke
In a similar vein on cooperation and
urged the reduction of overhead expen.
ses In handling projects.
1.-THE land must be made available
for the man with $500 a. much as for
the man with $5000," he declared.
The Oregon Irrigation congress sub
stantially committed itself to this line
of action in the unanimous demonstra-
tions that followed the recommends
tions of Senator |. N. Day and other
speakers before its second day meet
ing. =.
L. A. Hunt, Of Lower Bridge, said
that a resolution embodying this idea
had already been prepared and submit
ted to the resolutions committee and
will be introduced in the report Of the
committee.
1t was Senator Days address that
crystallized the sentiments that have
been expressed since the beginning Of
the congress and directed them into q
definitely indicated line Of action.
Plainly and unequivocally he de-
clared himself in favor Of state guar
antee Of irrigation and drainage bonds,
and in favor Of the enactment of law
providing for the establishment Of a
system of rural credits.
"To secure cheap money for the de-
velopment of irrigation and drainage, "
he said, "the security must be ample
and the payment of interest sure.
This can be secured only by either the
nation or the state standing back of
the projects.
"Why wait action of congress
Why not unite with the farmer OF
Western Oregon and put the state
back of the bonds? The bonds, to get
the United States back of them, must
be good; then why, If the bonds are
good enough for the United States, are
they not good enough for the state?
"When you have brought water tt
the land, you must have man to farm
it, and how is he to get and pay for itl
He cannot pay for discounted bonds
high interest charge and short-tern
payments.
Before any progress can be had II
that direction, some system OF farm
credit must be adpoted which will ad
NIT Of his purchasing on long term
easy payments.
"Rural credits are essential to tht
success of any irrigation scheme on al
extensive scale.
"We have Eastern Oregon asking
for aid for drainage, and both wanting
cheap money. We have many mel
seeking homes. Why not unite al
these and seek relief through the bal
lot?
"Why not put the state back o.
these projects?"
Mr.. Day agreed with the othe
speakers at the congress that th'
Jones bill providing for government
backing of irrigation projects is an ex
cellent bill and expressed the hop'
that it way be passed by congress.
"But if it falls" he cried, "are yo'
members of this Irrigation Congress
going to let even another year elaps'
before taking steps to secure the relic
that the situation demands?
''The thing to do is to stop marking
time and get into a united campaign t
carry through the measure which, b.