OCR Text |
Show 218 WAR FOR THE COLORADO RIVER a letter from the National Grange opposing the pro- ject.311 Downey yielded himself as much time as he needed, and criticized O'Mahoney for not facing the true issue involved in S. 75. That issue was whether the taxpayers of the United States should be burdened down with the enormous subsidies of the Central Arizona Project.312 The project was so wasteful and extravagant, declared Downey, that if its principles were extended into other states, national bankruptcy would result. He was, therefore, not surprised that O'Mahoney failed to touch upon the economic aspects of S. 75. Knowland interrupted to read a telegram from the American Public Power Association, signed by General Manager Carlton L. Mau, strongly opposing S. 75.313 Once more Downey told the Senate of the tremendous cost per acre of the project, and asked how any one could justify asking the Federal Government to spend billions of dollars to help a few farmers who have over- drawn their underground water supply. He then yielded the floor to Senator McCarran. The Nevada Senator had a number of amendments he wished to have considered, but Hay den objected, and an argument ensued. The result was that the McCarran amendments were ordered held up until after committee amendments had been considered. But McCarran, an- nouncing his opposition to the bill, went on to explain his amendments. McFarland gave some of the Arizona time to Senator Kerr who quoted scripture to support his contention that the fight over S. 75 was a battle for water.314 This was probably the understatement of the debate, and it pointed up how little Kerr understood the issues in- |