Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-06-27

ton. of Socorro.
B. C. Hernandez, president of
the temporary organization, pre-
sided. In addition to the many
representatives present from 9TH
er points in the valley, a large
number of Albuquerque business
men and valley land owners were
present.
Governor NJ. C. Mechem came
down from Santa Fe to explain
that the project is not only of
value to the people of the valley
but also to the entire state. Con-
gresham Nestor Montoya WIS
present to outline the provisions
of the Smith-McNary bill, which
he said was certain to pass at
the regular session of congress
beginning in December, and 10
urge the valley land owners to
organize a drainage district and
be ready to make request for fed
eral aid at the earliest possible
moment,
Organization Well Under Way.
Manager M. L. Fox of the Cham
Der of Commerce, who is also sec
rotary of the temporary organiza-
ton, stated that organization work
has been pushed in the four coun-
ties and that support has been re-
ceived wherever it has been asked.
About $1,000 has been paid in by
members, and a large number in
addition can be enlisted.
Harding Supports BIZ.
Mr.. Montoya stated that the
Smith McNary bill has the support
of President Harding, all the west
ern Representatives and senators,
many of the members of congress
from eastern states. He said that
eastern congressman have been in
terested in the bill because Of the
possibilities of increased business
with the west and south when pop
ulation and production have been
built up by reclamation. He
showed a map and circular letter
that has been circulated among
the members of congress showing
that in one year eastern markets
shipped 1887 carloads of manufac-
tured products to the Salt river
valley project farmers in Arizona,
demonstrating to fasteners the
value of western development.
Mr.. Montoya stressed the impor-
lance of forming an irrigation dis
trict at once, as it is only through
the proper functioning of such a
board in presenting surveys, esti-
mates of approximate costs, value
OF lands, number of acres to be
reclaimed, and all other details,
that any part Of the $3.50, 900, 600
appropriated by the Smith McNary
Dill can be obtained. If this work
is done in advance, there will be
little delay in getting the project
approved, Mr.. Montoya said. All
applications are to go through the
department. of the interior. Mr.,
Montoya said. and New Mexico has
friend in the secretary of the in
terror. former Senator A. B. Fall
of this state.
IT Is matter of life and death
10 the entire Rio Grande valley
from the White Rock CANYON tn
me Elephant Butte" Mr.. Montoya
concluded. !"
sell Yourselves" Mechem
-, we nave no need 10 worry bout
me Washington end of it." said
uoVerhor Mechem, "but we must
sell the project to ourselves. We
must organize campaign of edu-
catlon that will bring us the united
support of all the people of Valen-
GA, Bernalillo, Socorro and san
doval counties" The governor
stressed the fac, that the nroiect
II OF measurable value to the entire
stare: He said the cost would be
distributed proportionately to ali
property, including the cities, BY
taxation.
Senator H. B. Holt, of Las Cruces
VINO took prominent part in the
formation and success of the re-
clamation project at Elephant
Butte, told the meeting that many
obstacles had to be overcome in
mat section, but that the results
mad been worth the effort and the
cost. He said that the potential
value of the lands of the middle
Rio Grande II reclaimed is easily
$200 an acre; If unreclaimed il Is
worth almost nothing. This is the
richest and most fertile section of
the state, he said.
Sidney We'll, when called upon.
said that Indian lands will help
bear the cost, as appropriations al
ready have been made for that
purpose. He urged going ahead as
rapidly as is consistent with sound
Judgment. Mr.. Well said the person.
mel of the board guaranteed BUSH
nesslike procedure. He said the
extra production will equal the cost.
Frank A. Hubpe1l said he favored
the project, if the cost is not con-
fiscatory.
G.. w. King, of San Marcial. said
the project is worth the money in
flood protection. J. l.. Tondre, OF
Los Lunas, favored the project and
promised his support. Colonel G..
e. Breeze pointed out that the re-
clamationNof river lands will make
adjoining pasture lands of greater
value and predicted a time when
New Mexico cattle will be fattened
and killed here instead of being
sent to Kansas for finishing, with
a great saving of money and in
crease OF the states wealth. Chair