Shall We Make History at Denver? 



the people of the Far West capable of rising to a great 

 opportunity? Have they the genius and courage to grasp, at 

 an opportune moment, the results of a generation by the work 

 of a few hours, days or weeks? This question will only be 

 answered when the results of the Third National Irrigation 

 Congress are known. They can only be answered affirmatively by the pres- 

 ence of a large convention, of a convention properly representative of all 

 the States and Territories, of a convention capable of realizing the impor- 

 tance of the work committed to it and willing to devote time, labor and 

 thought in order to effect a great result. 



THE NATURE OF THE OPPORTUNITY. 



As indicated in the official call printed on the opposite page, the 

 moment is opportune because the American people can no longer furnish 

 homes unless the arid lands are reclaimed. We are living in the midst of 

 critical times. Labor must be found for thousands of idle hands. Only 

 five per cent, of our people own land. Some solution must be found 

 for those social and industrial ills which are seeking loud and dangerous 

 expression by various forms of political unrest. 



But the very situation which seems full of danger to the Republic 

 offers to the arid Western States and Territories a phenomenal opportu- 

 nity. If they will come forward now with a comprehensive and practi- 

 cable plan for the making of homes for millions in the West, they will 

 lay the foundation for expansion and prosperity. 



COMPLETING THE WORK BEGUN AT LOS ANGELES. 



The Los Angeles Congress, in its five days' session last October, 

 enunciated the fundamental principles of an irrigation philosophy. It then 

 created the Irrigation Commissions, charging them to study the needs and 

 ascertain the opinions of their various localities. It remains for the Con- 

 gress at Denver to formulate a national policy and a code of local laws to 

 be based upon the principles declared at Los Angeles and upon the reports 

 of these State Commissions. Thus we have the material for good results. 

 Whether we get them or not will depend upon the amount of brains, 

 courage and devotion to duty represented at Denver. 



WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS. 



If every western reader of THE IRRIGATION AGE, every newspaper 

 in the arid region, every member of National, Inter-State, State and 

 County Organizations will unite in a supreme effort, the Congress at 

 Denver will be a memorable success. In that case we shall make history 

 as surely as it was made at Philadelphia in 1776. No popular convention 

 in the annals of the American people has done more for human liberty 

 and our country's material greatness than the Congress at Denver will do 

 under these circumstances. 



Let us highly resolve to make the most of the great opportunity ! 



