The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1919-04-11

TO my nation and got permission to cut
into the river on our territory. Most
gladly did Porfirio Diaz grant that
privilege. For that, today, you are
suing him. This, l am told, is your
complaint"
His abrupt pause betrayed con-
fused murmur of voices. De la Vegas /
polite ear tried to differentiate the
phrases. There was tumble Of sound. I
De la Vega looked inquiringly at Bah (
cock, who waved him on.
'1t has nothing to do with the his
tory, but / would like to say in passing
that so assured were your people of |
our friendly feeling toward you that
they did not wait to receive permits
sion from Mexico to make the cut.
Your people were in hurry. Your
crops were in danger. First the lack
of water, then too much water dam
aged your valley. A few acres"
A voice from the crowd cried out,
"a few acres? Thousands of acres"
Instantly others were on their feet.
Thousands of acres. Ruin One man
was shouting himself apoplectic.
Babcock's gavel sounded a sharp
Staceato on the table.
thousands of acres" De la Vega
was unrufIled. Sand more than that.
The valley, it must be remembered,
does not stop at the line. Mexican
lands, too, have been secured by the
action, the result of the action of your
irrigation company 1t was a mutual"
he paused, and quaint word came to
his need. ga mutual bereavement. 1t
did not occur to us to accuse you of
our troubles. Your damage suits panied
and astonished us. But they gave us
also a suggestion"
The rustIing and the murmurs sud
denly ceased. A president hush wait
ed on De la Vega. you have been adj
yised to sue US. To sue us for giving
you that concession. Therefore, the
only answer is for US to withdraw that
coneessionl You accuse us, for CIV
ing it to you. That concession is val
liable. What else can we do? Before
your damage suits were filed, we were
approached by others for the same
privilege If you do not withdraw
| your suits, my nation sends word to
you that you may not take water from
the Colorado river through Mexican
soil. You will not be without water
probably long; I have said that con-
cession is valuable! Other arrange
ments will probably be made so that
the valley viii be given water. would
like to take your answer to my govern
ment."
1t was several seconds before the
house got its breath. The import of
the diplomats words was astounding.
Barton got to his feet, yelling with his
great bass voice, Betrayed" His
shrunken finger Indicated youth with
"R. s." in black letters on his collar,
4 1.-THE valley has been betrayed"
In the balcony, the uproar was deaf
ening. Around Hardin and Brandon
words were thudding like bullets
Reclamation Service" "That's their
game" "The concession! !" ttThey
won't get it." Betrayed. We are be,
trayed."
| Downstairs. Babcock's gavel raped
unheard. Behind the excited figure
welding the stick, sat Marshall, his
unreadable, sweet smile on his face
Z His eyes were on Babcock, who was
yainly clamoring for order. Program
that meeting"
Hollister was trying to make him
self heard to Barton over two rows d
seats, but his voice was like a child:
: D.
rounded by eager anxious men. TIT
audience had split into circles o.
haranguing centers. 1t was impossible
; to get attention. Hardin could see Mar
shall pull Babcock by the tails of hi:
coat. Unwillingly, he could see Bah
cock allow the crowd five minutes b!
his consulted watch. Then again, tn,
: gavel danced on the table. Marshal
was still smiling. Babcock's shril
voice split the din. ''0rder." TIL,
: ocean of voices swallowed him again.
"We won't let them in" Grace wa;
: believing. "the valley won't stand TO
i it."
: 'ETake your medicine thunderet
the big organ OF Barton. 81 warne,
, you, Imperial valley"
! Betrayal" groaned the crowd.
Down in the orchestra, Barton wa
: holding a hurry-up meeting of the wa
} ter companies. De la Vega hat
, stepped back and was consulting witt
> Tod Marshall.
: Babcock pulled out his watch, hi
gavel calling for attention. This tim,
! he was heard.
! De la Vega approached the foot
, lights, questioning look on his face.
( "We ask for little time" began
: Barton. Instantly the house was OF
/ its feet. withdraw the suits. Civ,
} him your answer. Give him our an
i swer. We don't want the Service. TIL,
! valley don't want the Service. With
draw the suits"
: Barton's moon face looked troubled