The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1923-09-20
INVESTIGATING
RECLAMATION
Fact Finding Commission
Is Named By Secretary
Of Interior

/ ihe IorHidtiOn OI act r1nulng
Commission to investigate the whole
system of Government methods in
reclaiming arid and semi-arid lands
by irrigation has been announced
today by secretary of Interior Work.
Invitations have been sent to seven
citizens of national reputation and
prominence asking them to serve
as members of the commission and
conduct an intensive study of the pro-
blem which is characterized as one
of national concern" This is in fur
therance of policy instituted last
April.
Included in the list are a former
Secretary of the Interior, the head
of the United States Chamber of Com
merce, an author and engineer on
reclamation and irrigation of inter-
national note, two former governors
of western states, the president of the
American Farm Bureau Federation,
and well-known college president
of our western agricultural institu-
tions.
The secretary of the interior in out
lining the reclamation situation de-
clares that 'it is generally reported
that relatively few of the original
settlers Of projects now remain on
them as water users" He also cites
the fact that zone hundred thirty
four millions of government money
have been expended" for reclamation
and but fourteen millions have been
returned "while six millions are due
and unpaid"
The commission according to the
plans, will be furnished with suitable
offices in the department of the in
terror building and all necessary data,
Information and courteous assistance
given the members by the bureau of
reclamation in their investigation.
The letter of invitation sent for
ward today by the Secretary of the
interior is as follows:
'The purpose of this letter is to
invite you to serve with six other
men having national confidence, on
q Fact Finding commission, to make
an intensive study of the policy, ap-
plication and operation of government
methods Of reclaiming arid lands by
irrigation, which has become a matter
of national concern.
at is generally reported that re-
latively few of the original settlers
on projects now remain on them as
water users. One hundred thirty
four millions Of government money
have been expended. Fourteen mil
lions have been returned and six mil
lions are due and unpaid as of Decem-
Der 81, 1922 to which must, very soon,
be added computations for the present
year:
"Time extensions for payment of
both construction and maintenance
charges have been asked which, if
granted, would multiply deferred an
nual payments, it is feared, beyond
the ultimate ability of the settler to
pay, entailing probable loss of his
home and to the government the loss
Of the investment.
"The purpose of this inquiry, in
which very much hope you may
participate, is to have the proceeds
Of administration of this trust re-
viewed by men of affairs applying
their best thought to this important
government agency.
Reclamation has done much toward
The development of the west, but it
now clearly requires to be adapted to
existing conditions, so that its future
success may be achieved and the pos
sibility of home ownership be assured
TO settlers.
"Your commission will of course,
be provided with suitable offices, nee
essary data and the courteous assist
ance of the bureau of reclamation.
Gas the work progresses you will
be supplied with itemized state
ments and complaints coming in, of
which l must take cognizance, and
which may serve to indicate the di-
rection the commission may be
to take in its inquiries.
Although only recently charged
with the responsibility of reclama-
ton, am not a stranger to the Irri-
CATION of arid lands, but prefer, how
ever, not to suggest procedure and
would not expect to advance opinions
to this commission unless requested,
asking only that the questions may
be treated with open publicity and
that / may transmit your report to
congress.
Awaiting your prompt reply and
hoping for your cooperation,