Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-01-16
THE DOMAIN ISSUE AGAIN.

The committeeman from this state
Governor Larrazolo and Francis G..
Tracey of Carlsbad, of the Western
states Irrigation association, who this
week are in Washington, are getting
little encouragement from congress as
to appropriations for new reclamation
projects and for completion of work
begun, Press dispatches say congress-
men assert that the $3.50, 900, 600 asked
for must be denied because of war
debts that must be cleared up and the
heavy taxes to meet such liabilities
and provide for immediate needs. As
a possible compromise some officials
have suggested that an issue of s1O,-
600, 600 Of bonds be sold for irriga-
ton projects.
Among the projects which the con-
gress at Salt Lake recently included in
the schedule to be covered by the
100000 was that of the Rio
Grande, which would be supplied with
water to be impounded at San Acacio
canyon, In Socorro county. Reelama-
ton by both irrigation and drainage
could thus be effected throughout a
large part of the valley. Similar re-
suits could be secured by reservoir
at White Rock canyon to make the
country above and around Albuquer-
que more productive,
Having little hope that the govern
ment would soon provide sufficient
funds for the proposed purposes, in
view of the opposition always met in
congress when the west brings up
such propositions, Governor LARA
zolo when at Salt Lake City, stirred
the gathering by a declaration that
Ned Mexico stood ready to tackle the
problems at home, if congress, unwill-
ing to provide money for reclamation
of public land, or to advance cost and
permit settlers, including soldiers, to
make waste land productive, would
merely grant the domain to the state.
The state would then be able to Sc
cure revenue by sale and lease, to be-
gin work and carry it on with increas-
ing energy through sales of reclaimed
lands at prices that would repay the
sums expended. 1t is not claimed that
reserved acres here, is irrigable or
would be reclaimed, but most of the
lands could be made revenue produc-
ing, whereas now they are managed
at a loss to the nation under federal
bureau handling. The public domain
contributes little to the state to assist
in supplying schools and for support
of government, being free from taxes
and not even serving as a basis for
credit when a community needs to ls-
sue school and road bonds, or even
drainage and irrigation bonds under
state law. Practically there is no
land left worth while for homestead
ers to claim, because about all lana
that. without reclamation, may serve
for farming and for homes, has been
secured under some one of the ma
tional or state laws. Irrigation as
tricts are rarely able to secure capital
from investors, 50 much land pelhB
public domain and the credit value OF
private holdings unirrigated being in
sufficient.
The success of the government IN
reclamation work Is unquestioned'
The lands reclaimed bring prices that
repay for the work, aided by the toll
charged to private owners for water
service. Government funds expended
are gradually returned to the treas
ury with added interest. The state,
the nation. and the localities are en-
riched by the method But If the con-
gressmen from jealous states will not
carry on, or financial aid must be
nos. poned because of war results, then
the proposition for ceding the domain
and. letting the people of the states
work out their own salvation ought to
find favor. New Mexico has lons
asked for the chance. Now is the time
for Governor Larrazolo and the scna'
tors from this state to hammer the
argument for surrender by the gov
eminent of what is current liabllltS
for states to convert into local an6
national asset and augment nationa
prosperity.
Senator Fall has always approved o.
cession of the domain in New Mexico
to this state, regardless of what po
litical party might from time to TINS
be charged with carrying out the adj
ministration OF the property and dis
position to owners who could pa!
taxes and build up a reclamation funt
that would bring results, gradually in
creasing the resources and, income O.
the state.
Senator Jones has not been an &C
tive advocate of release by the gov
eminent. Having served in the in
terror department which controls TN
domain, he may see some advantages
derived from continuance of that au
thority.
But he would probably appove o
cession to New Mexico of the unre
served lands If reasonable safeguard
are provided by state and natlol
against reckless disposition of tn
property No one better than NJ
knows that holding for homesteaders
under present conditions, Is useless
despite the small political plea tina
state ownership would deprive wouid
be homesteaders Of opportunity 10 ae
auife homes. -....-..--.-a.--