The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1920-01-22
WESTERNERS DRAFT
AN ARID LAND BILL
PROPOSE THAT THE TREASURY
DEPARTMENT MAY ADVANCE
NEEDED FUNDS.
II Would Then be Possible TO Proceed
With Projects Which Have Been
Approved and Finance Irrigation
and Drainage Projects.

WushingtOn.-As d result Of hear
inss before a committee Of congress
and conferences with western SEN
ators and representatives the governors
of western states and other delegates
from the reclamation association on
january II drafted new bill 10 be
introduced in congress as substitute
for all reclamation loan bills now
pending.
/ II having become evident that con-
gress would not authorize an out and
( out loan TO the reclamation fund, it Is
now proposed In the new bill that the
treasury department may from time TO
time make advances TO the reclama-
ton fund, over a term of years, up TO
the aggregate Of $2JO,OOO,OOO These
advances TO be covered by reclama-
ton bonds which shall be issued and
sold as each payment into the recla-
nation fund is made. The bonds VIII
run for fifty years, bearing interest
at four and a half per cent, and be
free from federal, state or local tax
alton.
With the money so provided, the
secretary OF the interior shall COM
plete existing preparations, proceed
with projects which have been approx
ed, but never begun, because or lack
of funds and may also take up entire
ly new projects. Receipts from all
government irrigation projects shall be
used in paying principal and interest
upon the bonds.
Service Men Are Favored.
The bill further provides that the
secretary of interior. in expanding the
money thus loaned. may enter into
such agreements for cooperation with
states, counties. irrigation or drainage
districts, municipal corporations, pri-
vate corporations or individuals as he
may deem advantageous. He is also
empowered to spend part OF this money
in preparing for cultivation Of lands
that are reclaimed, charging the cost
OF this work against the land i'm
proved.
When any new project or unit Is
ready for opening. a preference right
OF entry for sixty days is to be given
TO soldiers and sailors or widows OF
service men, and such lands as are
not entered during the sixty-day
period shall be thrown open to general
entry.
Saturday night the western COVER
nors and their associates met with the
irrigation committees of senate and
house and discussed In detail the draft
Of the bill that has been agreed upon
by them.
Saturday afternoon the governors
and other delegates were given joint
hearing by members of the steering
of senate and house.
This is the first time a steering COM
mittee has ever held a hearing open
to outsiders, 20 discuss the merits OF
ny legislation. and Senator McCumber,
presiding. emphasized this fact. but
said that in view of the distinction Of
those wishing to be heard. they should
take all the time they desired. The
hearing lasted more than two hours.
Governor Davis Of Idaho made the
speech outlining the de
sire of the west and explaining In
general way the character of legisla-
ion sought He was followed by Gov
,rnors Campbell OF Arizona. Carey OF
Wyoming and former Governor Spry
# Utah. Through all these addresses
AN an appeal for greater cooperation
between the federal government and
he states in building of irrigation
works.
One theory advanced with some
orce was the deslrabllity OF having
he federal government. with funds
provided by congress. build storage d.
lams and then contract with the
tates. irrigation districts or private
or individuals 10 build
systems and get the water
nj on 10 the land
The westerners. in response to ques-
Ions. said IL was entirely agreeable
hat II this plan be followed the fed
raj reclamation service should have
supervisory powers over the construc-
Ion Of projects supplied with water
rom government reservoirs.
When they left the capitol. the gov
rnors We're aware that no definite
iand can be expected from the steer
X committees until bills have been
eported by the senate and house ir>
Igation committees.
While no promises were elected. the
overnorS are wen pleased with the
aurtesy shown by the steering CON-
iittees. and are in an optimistic frame
mind as regards the future in CON
reSS.