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Show [25] Mr. Reed [Wendell M. Reed, Chief Inspector of Irrigation, Indian Irrigation Service]. I might say, in regard to the water supply, that the Reclamation Service in one of its former reports stated that it was doubtful whether there was a sufficient water supply for the large project that was at first contemplated and that was contemplated by the State. They are not certain yet in their minds that there is water for this gigantic project, without storage at its headwaters. On the other hand, the Indians undoubtedly have a right to the water in sufficient quantities to irrigate their holdings. The Chairman. Do you means [sic] as a tribe, or as individuals, as Mr. Meritt has suggested? Mr. Reed. Well, as a tribe, probably; but the title perfected by the individuals. They initiated it as a tribe some years ago. As far back as the early sixties there was an old ditch, known as the Grant ditch, dug there, beginning from this Headgate Rock, at the same point the other people have contemplated building a dam, and some water was used. But they had trouble, the tunnel caved in, and it was gradually allowed to fall into disuse. A few years ago Congress appropriated a certain sum of money for the purpose of rehabilitating this water right, and under the laws of the States [sic] of Arizona, and, in fact, nearly all of the arid States, the title is perfected by beneficial use only. And in the work that we have done there we have tried to advance each year, in order to show that we are making new advancements, and in that way hold and perpetuate any right as against others who might come in in the meantime. The Chairman. If the Indians have used this water for all these years would they not have a prior right? |
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Original book: [State of Arizona, complainant v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, California, City of San Diego, California, and County of San Diego, California, defendants, United States of America, State of Nevada, State of New Mexico, State of Utah, interveners] : California exhibits. |