The New York herald., 1922-03-17

but the estimate OF the Government eN-
penditures for the fiscal year of 1924
and the amount Of revenue needed would
necessarily be very inaccurate at this
time"
Explains Land Option Plan.
Concerning the land settlement option
the report says:
Another objection that was strenu-
ousiy urged to the original plan was
that it was claimed the land settlement
plan might be enormously developed 10
include irrigation and other projects. not
only for the service men but for the
public generally. While the committee
did rot feel that the original bill could
be properly reconstructed, it concluded
TO remove all doubt by providing ex-
pressly that no applications under the
land settlement plan could be received
from many except those who had served
In the recent war.
The work of reclaiming and settling
the lands will be under the direction of
national veterans settlement board.
composed of five members, including the
Secretary OF the Interior. who Shall be
the executive and administrative officer.
The remaining members are to be ap-
pointed by the President with the con-
sent of the Senate. and are to receive
compensation at the rate OF $500 per
annum. This board also will administer
title VII.
1.-The board is authorized to establish
veterans settlement projects. including
the building of roads within the projects
and the establishment OF the town sites.
to be selected with view to developing
one or more in every State where feasible
projects may be found. However, no
project shall be finally selected and no
land shall be acquired unless approved
by the board and by the Governor OF
the State in which it is located, or by
the land officials in such State, and as
to price. by the Federal Land Bank ap-
praiser of the district"
The repor. says that privately owned
land within any project. in excess Of
the farm unit established, must be dis
posed of to the board by gift. deed or
trust, or a price to be fixed by the board
Projects are to be divided into farm
units and allotted to veterans. The
project cost will be of recla.min the
lands plus the cost OF the acquisition OF
any privately owned lands, and shall be
fairly apportioned among the several
farm units. The bill contains provisions
to prevent speculation in these lands.
Coopera tfon with states.
Veterans are to be employed by the
board of projects. and when so en-
ployed allotted farms. upon which they
can begin development at as early a
date as possible.
The reclamation laws OF the United
States. in 50 far as they are applicable
and not inconsistent with this title, are
extended to these projects In order to
make The fullest possible view of ex-
listing agencies and to insure the great
est returns from the expenditures.
Provision is made for cooperation with
the States and also with the organiza-
tion of the project into drainage and
irrigation districts.
Both the States and the districts may
assist In the construction OF or may
take over the management of the prof.
ects and assume the repayment of costs
to the United States: they may issue
bonds for these purposes, and deposit
them with the Secretary of the Interior.
Should the veteran die after making
application for land settlement aid and
tcfore entering into a contract of pur-
chase the amount OF his adjusted SER
vice credit is to be paid to his estate.
Should the veteran or repatriate die pre-
vious to the completion of his contract
OF purchase. the contract may be as
sufred by his widow or heir at law.
None of the lands provided for in this
title may be assigned within five years
after the date of purchase, unless APP
proved BY the board.