Imperial Valley press., 1923-03-21
OUR. FORTUNES ADVANCED

1t is fortunate circumstance that there is
straight shooter at the head of the House committee
on Arid Lands and Irrigation.
Congressman Smith OF Idaho who of the
distinguished law makers who visited this valley few
days ago, is that gentleman. He mas shown himself
public man who is not afraid express his opinions
He seems to have little stomach for hedging and
pussyfootng When he has an opinion he states it and
takes the consequences. And we are inclined to be-
eve he is gong to make distinct progress on just that
kind OF policy
Fortunately for our great local enterprise most
of the members constituting the visiting delegation OF
last week were avowedly in favor of doing everything
in their power to advance the project. All of them
became better informed by seeing for themselves the
big development of which they had heard much II
any of the gentlemen entertained any reservations as
to the needs of the Colorado project and its great
practicability it is not at all likely single one OF
them confirmed in such reservations. On the
other hand we may we'll believe that all were more
than ever convinced of the justice of our cause.
Chairman Smith said to the editor of this paper
he had no hesitancy in stating he favored the Imperial
Valley project a beneficial instrument in the con-
troll and development of the Colorado river and Its
possibilities He went further than that: He said he
favored the AlAmerican canal necessary part OF
the general scheme. The cost of that canal does not
seem to alarm Congressman Smith. He is of the West
and he has many irrigation projects success
fully carried that he longer doubts their worth
The Snake and Columbia river irrigation districts IN
his own of such undoubted value that other
enterprises of like character dc not disturb him give
him pause in his determination to carry them forward
Therefore is that the who have done so much to
make empire of this former arid district may con-
gratulate themselves upon their good fortune in hav
ing of such views in position that means so
much to them and their welfare
1t may be assumed with perfect confidence,
think that whose interests are involved in the
Colorado project would sacrifice the whole plan the
price of carrying out their desires to have the ALI
American canal constructed. If it to the point
where the whole valley and all that has been accom-
pshed here in the last Of years in its conversion
from desert waste to blooming garden, to be
inundated by Colorado flood they would consent to
forego the proposed canal But until they come to
that last ditch they going to insist upon freedom
from Mexican domination and upon the development
of the broad mesa that would come under the pro-
posed canal. treaty with Mexico is at
hand and every day that is brought under
the present system there that has been created by
American money and American genius is going to give
the Mexicans additional claim upon the water and
present canal under the theory Of prior application
and beneficial 1t is plain therefore, that the
the treaty negotiated the better off the land
of the Imperial Valley in the United States will be.
And the cost of the Al-Amerlcan canal need not ap
pail for through the sale of the lands benefited that
cost will be reimbursed
Chairman Smith in public statement during his
visit here, submitted strong argument for agricultur-
al expansion in the way of developing arid wastes.
"The time is at hand" he said, when policy of
home making must be greatly expanded The
growth of our population, with the increasing
tendency to abnormal crowding in cities cannot be
ignored In order to maintain firm fouHd-
alton must never lose sight of duty to cueate
opportunity for citizens to acquire homes on the
land. | have patience with those who would
tabsh closed shop in agriculture who by any
method or any manner would deny worthy American
the qualification of his desire to possess home"
This must have been said having mind the provision
that preferential rights to be given members of the
American Legion to make homes in territory under the
proposed Al-American canal
And then, as if answering the argument that the
farmers of the country will not consent to the opening
of additional arabic tracts to produce of the
food stuff in the growing of which they at present
losing money, Chairman Smith said: at is true that
during the last few years farmers have been in
difficulties and financial straits Such conditions
not unusual we have met them before. The rerae-
dy not to be found in production In part will be
found in better distribution through organization in
marketing. In part also, in better farming METHODS
We had supposed that the last obstacle would
prove the insuperabe to the Colorado ppjcct if
it is TO tail. But Chairman Smith is ready to meet it.
His attitude is at least good omen.
On the whole it must be regarded as fine stroke
of enterprise and diplomacy upon the part of Con-
gressman Swing and the Imperial Irrigation district
in bringing the delegation from Washington here 1t
is not too much to say believe fortunes have
been advanced by it.