, 1923-01-25
uonDuIA THE NAN

fnruce A, Dustin in Denver Post)
>Thousands and hundreds OF thous-
.rds and millions of acres OF arid
'.nd are lying idle here in the west
for iack Of water to make It q gar
The department Of the interior is
the governmental branch which Is
rhareed with the reclamation OF
Vhese vacant tracts. This depart
ment, properly administered, can do
wonders In retaining and making
productive these lands, which are
now virtually worthless.
Only a western man, IN
the problems Of the west and know
ing all the intricacies of irrigation
and reclamation. can properly direct
the activities of the department Of
the interior SO 1t will give 100 cents
value for each dollar expended.
Mondell's Record of Leadership
CONGRESSMAN Frank w. MOndells
record, in congress and out OF con-
gress, stamps him the messiah who
can lead the west out of the wilder
mes IL he is given the opportunity.
And that is why the Denver Post has
launched a movement to bring about
Mondell's appointment as secretary
OF the department Of the interior.
Congressman Mondell knows irri-
CATION and other phases Of western
development from the practical
standpoint. He has been a doer,
Rather than a dreamer. all his life.
For several years, in the early eigh-
ties. he was employed in various
capacities in connection with rail-
road construction in Colorado and
neighboring states. Similar enter
prises took him to Wyoming in
1887.
In prospecting for coal, he took
the initial steps in the development
of the great Cambria coal mines.
which resulted in the founding Of
the town OF Newcastle and the build
ing Of the Burlington railroad into
that part Of Wyoming.
Mondell holds the distinction Of
having been the youngest member
ever elected to the Wyoming state
senate. And in spite of his youth,
he wal the first president selected by
that body. His services in the state
legislature naturally led to his being
considered for other and higher po-
litical honors. In 1884 he could
have been nominated for governor,
but he yielded to the wishes Of his
friends and made a successful race
for congressman.
His wide knowledge of public land
questions was responsible for his ap-
pointment to be assistant commits
sioner OF the general land office.
which position he held until he re-
signed on March 4. 1899. to re-enter
congress, in which body he has since
served.
Backed the West While In Congress
In congress Mondell has been con-
spicuously identified with legisla-
ton affecting the interests of west
ern states and particularly those
relating to land and irrigation. He
reported and had charge on the floor
Of the national irrigation bill which
is considered one Of the most I'M
pOrtant western measures In a gen.
Grafton.
Congressman Mondell's public
service in his home town. his state
and in congress-. coupled with the
extensive experience in mercantile
pursuits. stock raising. mining. rail-
way construction and irrigation. have
fitted him to perform his greatest
service, II he is given the opportun-
ity, in the department OF the interior.
Realizing that under a Republic
an administration a Republican will
he selected to succeed Albert B. Fall.
who has resigned as head of the de-
partment of the interior. Democratic
D1Gaders In Colorado. Wyoming and
0fher western states are working
Shoulder to shoulder with their Re-
Publican opponents to obtain Mon
dell's appointment.