The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1924-06-13
BELIEVE PH|PPS
BILL CAN GIVE
PROJECT RELIEF
Coolidge Favors Liberal
Interpretation of tenn
porary Relief; Idaho
On Job

Ii relief comes to Boise and other
project farmers. il will probably be
through the most liberal in,erpreta-
ton OF the Phipps bill. temporary
relief measure. passed by the recent
session OF congress.
That is the esscnse OF advices from
Washington following an appeal to
President Coolidge to call special
session OF congress and continue the
work so abruptedly halted by Senator
Pittman's one man hlibuster in the
closing hours OF the latest session.
President Coolidge is entirely sympa-
thetic with the plight of the American
farmer and OF the project settler. He
believes congress intended to pass re-
lief legislation and is urging HUI
bert Work. secretary OF the interior
to interpret the Phipps law with the
utmost liberality.
Telegrams deluged Washington
early this week from local sources
and from all other projects. Both
Senator Borah and Congressman Bur
ton l.. French are still in Washington
giving personal attention TO this mat
ter and foregoing attendance at the
Republican national convention where
Serator Boarh "Wednesday evening
was selected as the probable vice pres
idcnt candidate.
Fred Harrington. president OF the
Payettc- Boise Water Users associa-
ion. Tuesday received this explanatory
telegram from Senator Borah.
"The president has sent TO the sec
rctary OF the interior the following
letter:
"By reason OF the failure Of the
congress TO enact legislation for the
relief OF settlers on reclamation pro-
iects. a serious problem OF administra-
ton is presented. The conditions OF
.hese settlers are such as to call for all
relief which can be granted under the
law. | should like to ask that you
give this matter immediate attention
in the light OF the present unfortunate
situation.
"Thc act OF congress passed and
approved May 8. 1924, seems to give
sufficient authority to grant tempo
rary relief. The right OF the secretary
to act under this law is based to some
extent upon individual applications.
But it would seem that only such indi-
vidual applications should be required
as are necessary to indicate general
conditions. I should like to feel that
this law is to be administered liberally
20 the end that the settlers may be
fully protected until relief legislation
is had. There can be no question
about the facts. 1t is agreed upon all
hands that the conditions upon the
projects call for relief. the fact finding
commission has so found, the congress
has proposed relief legislation which
passed both houses and which. for
reasons which could not be anticipat-
ed. failed. indicating an understanding
upon the part OF all that unless relief
is granted great injury will come 20
he settlers Under such circum-
stances these settlers should not be
permitted to suffer a loss OF their
lands or TO incur any unnecessary loss
or expense until such time as congress
acts.
81 am assured by the president and
the department this program will be
carried out in every possible way to
protect the settlers until congress re-
convenes and acts. was deeply dis
appointd at the final result after it
seemed everything was assured !
would be glad to be advised OF any
thing further could do at this time.
I will remain here as long as can
help"