The Coconino sun., 1922-12-15
JUDGE SLOAN SAYS THAT
 RIVER PACT IS NECESSARY

In considering the Colorado river compact the question naturally arises why is the pact necessary? The ques- tion is partially answered by look at the map. The watershed of the Colorado river comprises parts of the states of Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California. Each of these claim some interest in these waters. More than 90 per cent of the water of the river that passes Yuma has its origin in the states of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. The people of these states look upon it's tributaries such as the Green, the Grand, the White and the San Juan as peculiarly their own streams, in the same way that the people of Arizona regard the Salt and the Verde rivers as belonging pecul- iarly to them. They are jealous of any Interference with the use they may make of these waters. Particu- larly since the decision by the su- prems court of the United States in Wyoming vs. Colorado they are fear ful that large storage works and pow CT plants may be constructed in the Grand Canyon in Arizona that will, by establishing prior rights, prevent future development of agriculture in their respective states. They oppose the construction of these works until they can be assured that the use of the Colorado river for power will not interfere with irrigation in their own states. While it is true that compe- tent engineers who have studied the situation believe that there is little or no probability that any use for power of the Colorado river below the Utah line can ever embarras proper agricul- tural development in the upper states, the difficulty is in persuading the people of the latter states that their future development may not be en- dangered thereby.
 Position of the four states is not to be despised. Especially is this true where congressional assistance must be had or governmental cooperation is needed. If as a matter of fact the interests of the upper states and those of the lower states necessary conflict the people of California, Arizona and Nevada might be justified in fighting it out with the people of Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico to deter mine which section should obtain the advantage, provided, of course, they can afford to postpone any develop ment on the river until such a war should end.
 Anyone who is acquainted with the '-. cffe Imperial Valley, and the Yuma Val ley in this state, knows that if the floods of the river are not controlled at an early date both of these great valleys may be ruined irretrievably.
 The demand for hydro-electric pow CT in Arizona particularly is becoming insistent and unless a large amount of power can be had within the next few years our mining interests will suffer and our development will be re- tarded. Again there can be no further agricultural development within Ari- zona or California without storage at Boulder Canyon or Glen Canyon.
 To secure river control aid must be furnished by congress. To secure the development of hydro-electric power, NOlh OIilSI llloll mere COlITOl WOTkS must be established on the river either in connection with river control or apart from it. Ample storage must be provided. In either event the fed eral government must be consulted and it's permission had before this development can be made. A divided southwest will mean the indefinite ty- ing up of the resources of the river, while on the other hand a united southwest will unlock these resources. 1 If, therefore, an amicable agreement between the two sections that is meas urably just to both can be reached, it | would appear to be the part of wis dom that it be made.
 The one course is for the lower states to ignore the upper states and incur the chances of delay that may result in disaster to Imperial Valley and to Yuma Valley; the other is to enter into contract with them that | will be fair and just to both sections and that will establish a community of interest 'betWaen the two that will l