The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1919-04-11

congress on December 2. 1918, not
only endorsed the very practical plans
of the Secretary of the Interior, but
strongly urged their support by con-
gress. These plans are gigantic in
their scope, there being between fit
teen and twenty million acres of arid
land for whose Reclamation water is
available, if properly conserved. There
are about 23OOOO,000 acres of land
from which forests have been cut. and
nearly 100000 acres of swamp land
which could be reclaimed.
Many states are interested in this
gigantic reclamation scheme and their
united effort is the first step neces-
sary to insure the passage of reclana-
ton bill When this appropriation has
been made, it is clear that If Idaho
is to secure her share of these funds,
we must be prepared to back up her
needs and claims. This will be pos
sible only through the early co-opera-.
ton and support of every farmer OF
Idaho The question now. then. is not
where, or on what particular project
this. money will be spent, but the big"
idea is for every one to put his or her
shoulder to the wheel and assist in Sc
curing this appropriation.
1t is interesting to note what other
countries are doing to provide posi-
bic farms and homes for returning
soldiers. In Canada a soldier is en-
titled, in addition to his ordinary
homestead right, to free grant of
one quarter-section of Dominion lands
on homestead conditions. Where
lhomesteads are not available it is the
plan of the Dominion government to
acquire privately owned uncultivated
lands. These lands will be resold to
the soldier at cost, payments extending
over period of twenty years at an in
Eterest rate of per cent. In addition
| to this, the soldier may secure loan
Of $500 for livestock and equipment.
Loans amounting to over $l,250,OOO
have already been granted to over one
thousand returned soldiers.
In Australia the state of Queensland
has purchased 100000 acres of private
lily owned land The soldiers secure
lhomesteads by the payment of the sur
vey fee and an annual rental of 81 per
cent of the value of the land $500 is
available for erection of buildings and
an additional loan of $500 for equip
1Oity ySdio sSiVSh IA Whi~h
to repay the improvement loan and
twenty-five years in which to repay
the equipment loan, the interest rate
being 3H to per cent.
Even England, with is small area for
agriculture, has purchased 5000 acres
tof privately owned land which is re-
sold to returning soldiers at $500 less
than the cost There is law under
consideration authorizing the purchase
of $1,000 additional acres.
All the Yankee soldier wants is a
chance to make good. Idaho has the
land where the opportunities exist.
Let's make it possible to welcome the
soldier boy to Idaho.
! Effective cooperation can only be
shown in this matter by active mem
bership. Get in touch with your coun-
ty section organization and become a
member of the Idaho Reclamation As
ISOLATION. Major Fred R. Reed. sec
retory of the State Association, has
entered this work with lots of push
and enthusiasm. Let's get behind
him and give the support that will be
necessary to make the Idaho Reclaim
alton Association a success.