Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-12-25
NEWLANDs WILL CARRY
FIGHT TO SENATE FLOOR
TO Insist on Comprehensive Plan, Of
River Regulation and Flood
Control.
FAIL TO REACH COMPROMISE
Humphreys Bill, Carrying Apprupri-
alton OF $45,OOO,OOG, Reported
Out by Committee Withou
Amendment.

WASHINGTON. December 2I.-The
haht for comprehensive plan Of river
regulation and GooG control as against
Tho old pieccmeal system Of appropri-
alton Will be carried to tho floor OF the
senate according to Senator Newlands.
author OF the commission method OF
dealing with this problem.
The Senate Commerce Committee has
rejected the Ncwlands idea in favor Of
the Humphreys flood control bill. which
passed the House at the last session.
rms measure appropriates sij.0O0.00V
Tor the Mississippi and Sacramento vel
leEs, but proceeds no further in the
direction of controlling food waters.
An effort was made 10 effect :, COM
promise upon this important legislu-
ton whereby commission Of scicn-
lists would hc named TO study the
whole problem at the same time the
appropriations were made FOR tile two
SPECIFIC projects. This compromise
though entered into Informally by GER
tain individual Senators. was rejected
hy the committee when IT decided to
report out the Humphreys bill without
amendment.
There is reason to believe that with
StupDoIH HRHl III prospect ueitucf
the Humphreys nor the Newland s
measures have chance to pass. The
time is too short 10 admit Of any
prolonged hlibusters. The administva-
ton is committed to the Newland'.
proposal. bu, will throw no obstacles
in the way OF the food bill, as re-
ported
In commenting upon the action OF
tho Senate committee and the future
of the pending legislation. Senator
Newlands to-day said:
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT
In my judgment. no food control
measure Will pass at this session un-
less a general and comprehensive plan
for river development and regulation
and the utilization Of hood waters for
beneficial purposes such as reclamation
81 arid lands. development Of water
powers and intensive cultivation. is in
Guided.
The food waters are now destroyers
~ wealth They should bc made Gre
ator. az wealth. We need co-ordi-
mated system OF rail and water trans
portaticn in order to meet tho de-
nands OF commerce. The country look =
with absolute rcprobation upon piece
meal legislation when they regard as
pork barrel legislation. This method
OF dealing with rivers in our river
and harbor bill has even brought dis
credit upon needed harbor develop
ment.
Tho people know tia, our rivers
can hc developed for commerce and
that surplus waters can he used TO
create wealth. In three campaigns the
Republican party in general terms and
the Democratic party in specific terms
have demanded fun and general legis-
ialion upon this subject which Will put
Tho Initiative of projects in the hands
Of commission. thus insurins broad
and expert line. OF investigation and
work.
Tho fight for such a commission IL
not ended. /, is simply transferred TO
the Senate. ! am not content with the
assurance that the plan which | have
been urging will be incorporated by
the House in the rivers and hsrbo''
bill. do not wish any les islaiion
which earnestly believe in inserted
in a discrcdited bill"