The Delta independent., 1922-11-17
SENATOR NICHOLSON VISITS
DELTA SECTION MONDAY

- NStNSHu
United States Senator Sam Nichol-
son made an official visit to the I'm
compahgree valley this week, coming
to Montrose Sunday afternoon and
over the project to Delta Monday.
The senator met the water users of
Olathe at noon Monday and came to
Delta late Monday afternoon, and met
those at Montrose Monday evening.
He personally inquired into matters
first hand and seemed very eager to
secure facts relative to actual condi-
tions which prevail under the Gunni-
son tunnel.
President Dale of the Uncompahgre
Valley Water Users association, and
Directors Tobin. Merritt and Spencer,
together with Project Manager Fos-
ter were among those in the party.
A short meeting was held at Com
munity Rooms at o'clock in which
several business men and farmers re-
cited actual conditions as they exist
today under the government ditch
Millard Fairlamb attorney; Carey
ID -hudiuS VI Tic T IL SL ANdtlOAdl oduh,
Melvin Springer, president of the
Colorado State Bank; L. w. Sweitzer.
president of the Delta National Bank
and one OF the most substantial farm
ers; Arthur Fairbanks, general man
ager of the Delta Hardware company;
W. H. Garvin, president and manager
of the Associated Fruit company and
the heaviest produce shipper of this
district, as we'll as others told the
senator some of the deplorable condi-
tions which now prevail under the
reclamation project
It was brought out that it would be
physical impossibility to raise the
$1S0.O00 payment which becomes due
on December 1st The banks. it was
emphasized. could not strain another
point in helping out the people under
the project as our financial institu-
tions had already been carrying a
greater part of them for the past two
years. 1t was also brought to light
the fact that next year many hard
ships would prevail among ranchers
in getting in a crop. let alone the
financing of the farm and household
Mr.. Garrin told of the very poor
marketing conditions and read some
correspondence which he had ex-
changed with the railroad executives
regarding their car situation Mr.
Garvin said 1t would take several
years for the growers in this section
to get back to where they were few
years ago The railroad was severe
ly criticized for the manner in which
1t had furnished cars to this valley.
During all the time our people were
talking Senator Nicholson paid very
close attention to every speaker and
often interrupted to ask questions
The senator said he was well aware
very poor state of affairs existed
here. but he had never thought the
condition was so acute.
While he was brief yet said we
should by all means induce Federal
Judge Lewis to come to this valley
and 20 into the matter for himself.
The Rio Grande being now in the
hands Of receiver.
Senator Nicholson urged everything
possible be done to have this brought
about. as the Judge under whose jur-
isdiction the Rio Grande now rests,
would undoubtedly take a hand in
the matter which would bring the
company to time in handling products
from this territory.
He said there are two rival inter-
ests now fighting for supremacy over
the railroad, trying If you please, to
beat down the earning power of the
road which would naturally bring
down their securities.
"The Rio Grande" the senator con-
tinued. "is no longer q Colorado road.
There are many OF YOU people in this
room who helped to build this road.
and many Of you have helped to make
the road one Of the big lines which 1t
is today"
Regarding the Gunnison Tunnel
project he said he would urge extend
ing the time OF payment for at least
three years, and he was confident the
entire Colorado delegation would back
up this recommendation. There was
no doubt In his mind about the SER
iousness of doing this.
He told OF the bill which is now
before congress, introduced by Sena-
tor Borah Of Idaho. which calls for an
extension for the time OF payment Of
all government projects to 40 years.
senator said he favored this legisla-
ton.