Imperial Valley press., 1925-07-28
THE PHOENIX CONFERENCE

THE PHOENIX CONFERENCE
Every who has the welfare of the southwest
at heart interested in and elaed the coming
ference of three states California, Nevada and Ari
to be held at Phoenix, August 5. The parley
to consider matters pertaining to the Col orado River
and its ALLEGATION and marks the first real attempt to
iron out differences since Arizona refused to ratty
the pact some time ago.
We, here in Imperial Valley, are naturally taking
much interest in the whole proceedings because for us
this whole Colorado River question life DEATH
growth or decay, prosperity or bankruptcy,
We do feel that every effort should be made to
phasze to Arizona brthren that we Californians
coming to this conference with hands clean,
and with uterlor motives. We not trying to get
the best" of the deal, has been claimed many
times. The Press understands determined effort is
to be made by the four California representatives to
find equabIe solution the matter that will be fair
to all parties concerned and safeguard to the limit
their various interests
Our Assenbyman A. c. Finney, who prob
ably knows more about this whole Colorado River mat
ter than any other man in the valley at present, has
been honored by being named member of the
California committee. This is great boon for 1nper
al Valley for Assemb!yman Fnney goes the confer
ence fortified with Of facts and world of in
formation that cannot help but make evident to all
members of the parey peculiarly precarous posi-
ton in this regard. Senator Ralph Swing of San Ber
nardlno Is another member Of the committee and by
virtue Of the fact that he is thoroughly familiar with
the 'ins and outs of the SwingJohnson bill is in a
splendid position to lay Southern California views
the table Senator Lewis L. bennett of Fresno is the
third member of the California delegation, who having
aligned himself with forces favoring conserving and
ticulary splendid position to his state in this
exigency. Walter j. Little, assembyman from Los
Angeles, completes the quartet and his city is Wit
ally interested in securing domestic water supply
under agreement that will suit every one he will be
distinct asset to the combination.
The various Southern California communities in
terested have been eXtreey fortunate in securing the
expert services of Arthur J. Davis, noted reclamation
engineer who helped formulate the famous Davs-Fall
report upon which the Swing-J ohnson bill formu-
lated. Mir. Davis will go to the conference with
of technical information and exact data that
will preclude any possibility of the members working
in the dark haphazardy, for Engineer Davis has
reduced the Colorado Kver, its possibilities and its
agares to an exact science from which is possible to
arrive at certain definite and undeniabe conclusions.
Surely, if this Boulder Dam is built there will be
plenty OF water for all, and there should be
lty for US haggling quarreling its division.
The following basis, on the main, we understand
Will be used as the starting point and presented the
conference skeleton form which may be revamped
or modified in any that suits the jority of those
concerned
First-To aot all waters appropriated by
the three states, now being used for agricultural
and domestic uses.
Second-To release to Arizona the Gila River
and its tributaries and secure in exchange, mil
lion acre feet from the Colorado for California.
This would take care of Los Angeles and environs'
domestic water needs.
Third-To alot to Arizona and California
whatever amount Of water will be necessary to
care for lrrlgable lands, not under irrigation,
but possible to be watered by series of lifts, de-
tails of latter to be fully worked out at the
ference.
Fourth-To then divide the balance remain
ing on some equable basis-in Whatever proper
tons those concerned shall agree upon.
While Governor Hunt refuses to regard this par
ley as binding official, still getting every
affected together with their feet firmly planted under
one table is going to help clear up the air consider
ably and give US something definite and tangible to
work from toward.
One thing must be Uppermost-a spirit Of to!er-
ance mat VIII be big enough TO the other fellows
viewpoint and strive with genuine candor and patience
TO arrive al workable plan for the immediate pursuit
OF the greatest national development conceived
by the brain Of man.