The Coconino sun., 1923-05-11

| the states directly concerned would
prevent any action whatever. But as
suming that congress, forgetful and
hopeful, would give its consent, SUBJ
sequent action by the states would
be colored with suspicion of Arizona.
| Perhaps they would enact the neces-
sary legislation, authorizing the ap-
pointment of representatives, and per-
haps they would not. All of the forces
demanding excessive local recognition
would be at work. Representatives
would come to the treaty table, if at
all, weighted down with instructions to
watch out for Arizona, and at all odds
to get theirs. If there could ever be
an agreement around that table, there
is nothing upon which to base an ex-
pectation that the other states would
demand less, accept less, or receive
less than is contained in the treaty
which all of them have approved -
nothing upon which to hang a hope
that Arizona, out of the jealousy, the
suspicion and the antagonism by her
engendered, would gain favor not
now accorded. Whatever might be
agreed upon would again have to be
submitted to the several legislatures,
with small chance of ratification if the
terms were less favorable to their
States than the present compact. And
if a treaty were formulated attempt
ing, as has been attempted through
reservations and interpretations, to
force from congress concessions in vio-
lent conflict with existing federal law
and we'll established federal policy, the
last end of that treaty would be worse
than the first.
Look at the matter from any angle,
from any view, the prospect for a
compact, other than the one now
awaiting action by the Arizona legis-
lature, is very dim. That much
should, in the interest of frankness
and clarity, be admitted. Abandon
the policy Of ratification, and the
course to be followed-unless devel-
opment of the Colorado is to be for
gotten-must necessarily be as l have
stated it. The conclusions, of course,
are my own. They constitute the
only point upon which difference of
opinion might be based, and for that
l am content to abide by their logic.
There are just two roads, at this
time, for Arizona to travel-ratiflca-
tion or rejection. If the judgment of
our legislature, which is charged with
the responsibility of decision, should
dictate the latter course, trust that
you will understand-that it may gen
orally be understood-as matter OF
course, that no one will be reader
than /, no one more Jealous, to labor
for another treaty, fair and equitable
and protective of every just claim that
Arizona might present. But hope
I earnestly hope-that the course OF
rejection may not be followed; that
the legislatures good judgment will
forbid; that the compact may be rat
flied, Internationally, without reser-
vations or interpretations-the only
way in which ratification can be
achieved. ;,
For by way of ratification-I feel
it with every ounce of faith there is
in nne-lies the path of progress. BY
way of ratification lies industrial adj
vancement and immensely increased
prosperity for Arizona-to say moth
ing of the discharge, as / see 1t, OF
very real obligation to the states
Of the Colorado river basin, If not IN
deed to the entire country. BY way
Of ratification lies the development
of the Colorado river-its commence
ment at an early date; Harvesting it's