THE IREIGA TTON AGE. 371 



runs down hill. Working for themselves, owning their homes, and 

 living in the midst of congenial neighbors, what have they to fear? 

 Now thihk of 'arid America, with its hundred million of irrigable land, 

 as densely settled as those Utah valleys. Think of the people who 

 combine the social advantages of town life with the industrial indepen- 

 dence of the country. Think of them with their daily newspapers- 

 their telegraphs and telephones, and their rapid means of transporta- 

 tion for products and people. And then realize then that under the 

 plans we propose the humblest citizen of the Republic can pass at will 

 from the discouraging conditions of town life if for him they happen 

 to be discouraging to the inspiring and hopeful opportunities of this 

 new promised lahd. 



It is wnen I think of the matter! n this way that my enthusiasm is 

 kindled until mind and heart are ablaze. I thank God that I have 

 lived to see the great policy of nationa . irrigation actually inaugurated 

 I thank God that I have been permitted to have an humble part in 

 bringing it about. 



And my friends, let us not permit ourselves to think that our 

 labors in this great work are ended. On the contrary, let us with 

 patriotic zeal dedicate ourselves anew to its advancement. Let us 

 continue to use our influence in keeping it upon a national plane. In 

 locating the first reservoirs to be built where the conditions for en- 

 suring success are perfect. In seeing that the farms created go to 

 actual settlers only. In bringing to the attention of the fortunate 

 and benevolently inclined the great opportunities for the doing of 

 lasting good in helping worthy families to settle upon those new 

 farms. In the building iof good roads, the planting of trees, the 

 preservation of the forests, the beautifying of country homes. In 

 utilizing the powers of nature and the modern inventions of man 

 in making country lives and country homes in every 

 way attractive and inviting. You could not be engaged in a 

 more noble work than that for which you have come here today from 

 your distant homes to deliberate upon. It is truly Heaven's work, 

 because its beneficent result will last as long as humanity itself. It is 

 Heaven's work, because in addition to adding great wealth to the 

 nation it will benefit the homeless and the unfortunate of God's 

 children and God will surely bless the government and the people 

 who will carry it to a successful fruition. 



. V 



