10 



THE IRRIGATION AGE. 



create a barren, repulsive wilderness. Is it real ? Must 

 we awaken from the spell to view again the rigid hori- 

 zon of a trackless waste, a cluttered field of sage brush, 

 a spiny ocean of cacti ? 



But listen, and from the new born Arcadia there 

 rises the busy hum of industry, the crunch of iron 

 wheels, the rumble of harnessed waters and the thous- 

 and other sounds of human being. Look, and as far 

 as the eye can penetrate there nestles between the boun- 

 teous fields, rank upon rank of happy homes breathing 

 into the air their perfume of comfort, plenty, happiness. 



It is real. It is a transformation in which the 

 dreams of the past have created the reality of today. It 

 is a God's work, for it has added to the sum of human 

 enjoyment. Recking not the motive, the great book of 

 life must credit beneficent achievement to the human 

 magician. What though he gain glory and affluence for 

 himself, he has brought profit and prosperity to his fel- 

 low men. He has created, not diverted, his wealth. 



Yet in this contemplation of the beautiful and 

 serene, there strikes upon the ear a discordant wail, ever 

 growing in volume with each succeeding turn of the 

 hour-glass. Humans are at the torture stake in the 

 great cities, with their dirty tenements and their squalid 

 basements. Sunshine, pure air, more land, are needed 

 for this generation 'and its progeny. Else in this mael- 

 strom of vice and crime begot of evil environment, the 

 life of a nation may hang in the balance. 



The reclaimer's work is barely begun. Brains, cap- 

 ital, energy all are required in this fight against a per- 

 verted nature. Already the trail has been blazed, and 

 he who dares to enter the lists gains for himself honor 

 and influence, and for humankind a better knowledge of 

 divine blessings. 



At this, the twenty-fifth milestone in its journey, 

 THE IRRIGATION AGE pledges itself to continue its firm 

 support to all legitimate work in the reclamation of 

 desert land. It is with a feeling of pride that the editor 

 reviews the life-history of his publication and knows that 

 in his strict adherence to truth of statement and honesty 

 in purpose he has assisted in the upbuilding of a nation. 

 Allied with no predatory interest and influenced by none 

 but its own opinions, THE IRRIGATION AOE will con- 

 tinue its fearless championship of the cause of Reclama- 

 tion, and will yield to no coterie of individuals or body 

 politic that tends to hinder or obstruct the work of 

 making the "Desert Bloom as a Rose." 



moth reclamation works by the government in many of 

 her neighboring states of the west, have led to her par- 

 tial, if not entire, neglect. With all the resources at her 

 command she is ready to protest against this lamentable 

 condition of affairs. 



Reviewing the present situation as relates to funds 

 for reclamation purposes, it is found that the revenue 

 from the sale of state lands now aggregates approxi- 

 mately $5,600,000. Of this amount it is required by 

 law that at least one-half be expended on irrigation 

 projects within, the state. Since this large fund has 

 been lying idle for a considerable period, and during 

 this time certain sections of the state hare suffered from 

 lack of rainfall, it cannot be denied that land owners 

 have reason for a vigorous protest. 



Chief among the speakers at the recent congress in 

 Woodward, Okla., was Congressman Dick Morgan. In 

 his speech he indicated that inefficient laws and lack of 

 a proper state department for the adjudication of claims 

 had prevented private investors from beginning opera- 

 tions. Promptly on hearing this plain statement of the 

 case delegates, already organized into the Northwestern 

 Oklahoma Irrigation Congress, adopted resolutions call- 

 ing upon the governor for action in the direction of the 

 creation of a department of irrigation, and upon con- 

 gressmen and senators for co-operation in securing the 

 immediate attention of the United States Reclamation 

 Service. 



After disposing of its work in the direction of irri- 

 gation the convention turned into other channels and 

 before adjourning gave attention to the commercial and 

 industrial needs of this section of the state. By en- 

 couraging the construction of railroads and the loca- 

 tion of industries, northwestern Oklahoma proposes to 

 enjoy a development commensurate with its natural 

 resources. 



News reports of the past month give an 

 account of an enthusiastic meeting held 

 by delegates from several counties in 

 northwestern Oklahoma for the purpose 

 of inciting state and national interest 

 in local irrigation projects. Oklahoma 

 feels, and the belief is not unfounded, that the mam- 



Northwest 

 Oklahoma 

 Discusses 

 Irrigation. 



From southern Wyoming, where the rest- 

 Colorado less Laramie tumbles through the moun- 

 Usurps tains on its northward journey, comes the 



Wyoming's din of preparation for a short journey 

 Rights. along the war path. Colorado has 



stepped on its neighbor's toe and the 

 red blood of the victim is kindled. 



Years ago certain irrigation companies in Wyom- 

 ing appropriated the wafers of the Laramie river to 

 such good purpose and with such expediency that the 

 available supply has been exhausted and the state has 

 refused further grants. 



Now comes along a band of daring promoters and 

 proposes, under the laws of Colorado, to file on the 

 waters of this stream before it leaves the state. 



State Engineer Johnston, of Wyoming, has not 

 been caught napping and has addressed a letter to irri- 

 gators indicating what steps should be taken to pre- 



