The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1921-07-29
FEW VETERANS TO GET FARMS.

Wy iyiiIpid.--I he ,nDUU,UUU Idnu settle
ment fund appropriated by the last
Legislature probably will not be suf-
ficient to settle more than 100 veter-
ans and their families on new farms.
In choosing those who are to bene-
fit from the state experiment, expert
erced young 5oldier-farmers with
some money of their own undoubtedly
will be given the preference. 1t will
be impossible to attempt any big land
settlement undertaking. Therefore,
inexperienced city men are not apt to
stand much of chance of being
chosen for the first test of state aid
in farm development. A questionnare
and personal inquiry will disclose the
ability of each applicant.
The state has 100000 to buy land,
develop it if need be, erect farm
buildings, buy tools, stock and seed
if they have to be furnished. Direc-
tor Dan A. Scott of the department Of
conservation and development has I
great deal of latitude in preparing
his plans; therefore he is extraordi-
narily careful. He predicts though,
that the veterans will be settled on
the land by Jan. /.
investigation already has shown
raw unimproved land located close
enough to markets to make it attrac-
tive would cost the state about $2S an
acre. The owner wants that much
for logged-off tract near Sequim in
Clallam county. The land is close to
Seattle--as west side distances go
but probably would cost $50 an acre
to clear.
Near Richland in Yakima county
land with perpetual water rights has
heen offered for 5000 an acre, some
being ready and the rest nearly ready
for cultivation. In Spokane county
similar land was offered for 500 an
acre, water rights S125 or more an
acre in addition.
Between these extremes come land
offers from White Bluffs, Lake Che
land, Wahkiakum county and dozen
other places.
1t is estimated from 10 to 10 acres
would be needed for farm, depend
ing upon the character of the land. In
any event the land itself Guild not be
| acquired ready for cultivation for less
than $4,000 per farm. Then must be
added the necessary buildings, fenc-
ing, farm tools, stock and seed. 1t is
very easy to figure that any sort of
farm the state would provide would
cost about $4,000 if gotten ready for
family to move on. With only
S30O0O0 to spend and the necessity
for saving some of this total for over
head expense it is easy to see it would
be impossible to prepare more than
100 farms for tenants-maybe many
| less.
While waiting for the first crop the
veterans on land settlement tracts
will have to defray their own expen-
ses; they probably will be required 70
| spend some of their own money in
developing the farm. Hence the
necessity for private funds on the
| part of those who may get state al
lotments. In California, $500 of pri-
vate funds is required of one who gets
Il $4,000 farm.
Up to last week 55, ,450 veterans had
applied for bonus allowances. All
these and many others who have not
i asked for their bonus are eligible to
share in the land settlement expert
ment.
Yet probably not more than 100 can
he chosen.
From these facts it is evident the
states first venture in land settle
ment will be purely a carefully con
Quoted experiment; it can't be a gen
eral distribution of farms.
Director Scott is seeking advice, in
vestigating each tract of land Offered
and demanding rock bottom prices
asking the views of veterans and ex-
perts from other states and bringinp
to bear all his lifelong experience as
a farmer to settle the problem. He is
preserving an open mind.