The Distribution of Water. 
25 
system, to do much in that direction, to become a center from 
which radiates an energy and an influence which will make him¬ 
self a potent factor in the perfection of the system, whereby the 
purpose and intent of the law will be carried out, and the best 
interests of the state and its agriculture be subserved. 
Water commissioners and superintendents of irrigation, in 
carrying out the orders of the state engineer, and in aiding that 
official in the discharge of his duties, also will improve the ef¬ 
ficiency of the system as a whole. 
Incidental to all the other duties of a superintendent of irri¬ 
gation there should not pass unnoticed his importance as a peace¬ 
maker and settler of petty disputes, which may arise in his di¬ 
vision and the several districts thereof. Much unnecessary liti¬ 
gation doubtless has been and hereafter will be prevented by super¬ 
intendents of irrigation on the line here suggested. A visit of 
that official to a water district in which a commissioner is having 
serious trouble and disputes with ditch owners has a wholesome 
influence leading to amicable adjustment of such controversies. 
It has sometimes been believed that the office of the superin¬ 
tendent of irrigation was somewhat superfluous. Persons in¬ 
clined to that view have taken the position that the state engineer, 
as the general center of authority and supervision of all water 
districts, would be sufficient. Development of agriculture and 
irrigation is such, however, and the other duties of the state 
engineer necessarily take so much of his time and attention that 
it would be difficult, if not practically impossible for any state 
engineer, however capable, fully to discharge the duties of all 
the superintendents of irrigation without being compelled to 
neglect other important duties of his office. 
It is believed by the writer hereof that if the superintendents 
of irrigation constantly devote themselves to a study of the water 
distribution in their respective divisions and to the thorough 
and efficient discharge of all of the duties of their offices, both 
advisory, administrative, appellate, and corresponding, they can 
constantly be employed and become important factors in improv¬ 
ing the water service of the state. 
THE STATE ENGINEER. 
POWERS AND DUTIES WITH REFERENCE TO IRRIGATION MATTERS. 
In 1881 an act was passed providing for the appointment 
of a state engineer in Colorado and of his assistants, and for the 
establishment of water divisions. (Sess. Laws 1881, pp. 119 to 
122). The first five sections of the act cover the matter of 
water divisions, and the remaining seven sections had reference 
to the office of state engineer or “state hydraulic engineer,” and 
his duties. The last seven sections were repealed upon the en- 
