AZ vs. CA:08 California Exhibits, Vol. VIII; Nos. 371-398F

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-2- H.C.L. P. 1414-1900. In correspondence on this subject quote the above initials and file number. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Washington, D. C. April 8, 1904. Hon. Frank W. Mondell, Chairman, Committee on Irrigation of Arid Lands, House of Representatives. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 31st ultimo, enclosing a copy of H.R. 13,627, "A Bill for Legalizing the Diversion and Appropriation of Water from the Colorado River, for Irrigation Purposes." You request an expression of my views (1) relative to the effect of the passage of the proposed legislation; and (2) as to whether any treaty obligations of the United States would be affected thereby. Addressing myself to your first inquiry, I have to say that an investigation of the Colorado River was recently made by this Department, at the request of the Department of State, with particular reference to the irrigation operations of a concern known as the Imperial Land Company, of Los Angeles, California, at a point in the State of California just below Yuma, Arizona. Such investigation elicited the fact that there is practically no navigation on the Colorado River except that which is carried on through the medium of a few small, light-draft, stern-wheel vessels (larger craft being unable to navigate the stream) and of the small amount of freight so transported over 97 per cent is carried in the interest of the said Im-