The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1945-09-28
1.-THE NORTHWEST
NEEDS A eva
SAYS AUTHOR

The Columbia Valley authority is
lrequired to develop an area, whereas
the Tennessee Valley authority was
required to rehabilitate an area, ac
cording to Carey McWilliams, who re-
Gently authored three informative ar
ticles on the eva in Nation Magazine
| tissues of June 2, 9, and 23)
Mr.. McWiliams points out the novel
aspect of the fight gathering strength,
in which he cites two government
agencies playing an active role in or
ganizing the opposition-army engi-
neers and Bureau of Reclamation.
Both are old-established, highly GEN.
tralized agencies, with powerful politi-
cal connections formed over a period
of years. He cites both as conducting
an undercover campaign against the
various proposals to create eva.
and particularly Senator Hugh Mitch.
ellis bill, No. 400
Reclamation Blind
The article states that the link be-
tween these agencies and the private
intSitSt tldt OppOot u w. Is Luc
National Reclamation association, and
it's state and regional affiliates. With
reclamation" being a magic word in
the West, the association provides the
perfect front for the forces fighting
river authorities. The Reclamation as
ISOLATION, which was once a vital and
progressive force, has lost most of its
''dirt farmer" membership, and today
the association is dominated by the
railroads and private power interests,
he states.
The campaign against the eva was
launched at the convention of the Ma
tional Reclamation association, held at
Denver in November 1914 At this and
other state and regional meetings,
"the private power boys" were much
in evidence. For example, the chair
man of the resolution committee at
the Oregon Reclamation congress, was
the attorney and principal lobbyist for
the Pacific Power & Light company.
At later meeting held in Spokane. a
representative of Washington Water
Power company acted as page and
doorkeeper," the company supplying
service also.
Opposition Is Rich
At these meetings the general STRAIT |
egg of the fight against eva was pre-
pared, with delegates given repeated
assurance that ample funds would be
forthcoming" to finance the campaign. |
Memorials from state legislatures in |
opposition to eva were urged, with |
such bill being passed by the Ore
gon legislature after a "1O-minute"
study of the Mitchell bill. Similar
resolutions were urged upon civic
groups and chambers of commerce
the Northwest.
But in spite of all their behind the
scenes" activity, and "bulging money
chests" sincere workers in behalf of
q greater Northwest and a greater ma
ton, are rapidly placing the true pic
Lure before the public. The Columbia
Valley Authority Information league
IS fast gaining in membership, and
every member is endeavoring to keep
Up the good work in spreading the
rue message pertaining to authori-
les. Membership cards are being
widely circulated.
At a dinner meeting held in Spo-
zane, August 18th, with members of
he subcommittee Of the house of rep
esentatives, appropriations committee
IS guests, numerous expressions were ,
made toward building a greater North
vest. The official party was com
'rised of Representatives Jed Johnson }
Dem Okla), chairman; Henry C. /
)warshak (Rep. Idaho); Ben F. Jen-
en- (Rep. Iowa. and John J. Rooney 9
Dem. N. Y. who heard of the needs :
n the Northwest, including Grand I
Joulee Columbia Basin, Foster Creek .
Dam, and others
Favors Authority |,
Chairman Johnson stated emphati- /
ally that he was in favor of the au- '
hority idea, and assisted in preparing t
he initial house bill, which resulted t
n the creation of IVA. Each con- g
,ressman paid high tribute to the i'm