682 Presidential Addresses 



which it has doubt it will take the time necessary to 

 make investigation and reach a final judgment. 



The work of reclamation of the arid lands of the 

 West is progressing steadily and satisfactorily under 

 the terms of the law setting aside the proceeds from 

 the disposal of public lands. The corps of engi- 

 neers known as the Reclamation Service, which is 

 conducting the surveys and examinations, has been 

 thoroughly organized, especial pains being taken to 

 secure under the civil-service rules a body of skilled, 

 experienced, and efficient men. Surveys and exam- 

 inations are progressing throughout the arid States 

 and Territories, plans for reclaiming w r orks being 

 prepared and passed upon by boards of engineers be- 

 fore approval by the Secretary of the Interior. In 

 Arizona and Nevada, in localities where such work is 

 pre-eminently needed, construction has already been 

 begun. In other parts of the arid West various pro- 

 jects are well advanced toward the drawing up of 

 contracts, these being delayed in part by necessities 

 of reaching agreements or understanding as regards 

 rights of way or acquisition of real estate. Most 

 of the works contemplated for construction are of 

 national importance, involving interstate questions 

 or the securing of stable, self-supporting communi- 

 ties in the midst of vast tracts of vacant land. The 

 Nation as a whole is of course the gainer by the 

 creation of these homes, adding as they do to the 

 wealth and stability of the country, and furnishing a 

 home market for the products of the East and South. 

 The reclamation law, while perhaps not ideal, ap- 



