AZ vs. CA:12 California Exhibits, Vol. XII; Nos. 1350-1383; 1400-1446; 1501-1518; 1601-1603; 1701-1703

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___JO;___ "We don't like this idea that the Constitution of the United States, with its reservations in favor of the States, is a mere scrap of paper, to be contemptuously brushed aside whenever it stands in the way of a misguided nationalism and centralization. "There is a school of thought that wants to run everything from Washington and rob the States of all their vitality. For example, there are a good many reasonably intelligent people who say, 'Well, of course, it is the business of the States to settle this Colorado River question, but if they cannot do it, or cannot agree among themselves, then Congress will have to step in and do it for them." To my mind, that is a very dangerous doctrine. If it is the proper function of Congress to settle the Colorado River question, what right have the States to get into it at all? If it is a State matter, what right has Congress to get into it? If we are going to have any regard for our Constitutional Government we must not say that because a certain thing ought to be done, and the State cannot do it, then it ought to be done by the Federal Government. That annihilates Constitutional limitations and leads to arbitrary powers, which we all despise. "What we need for the relief of our people from the crushing burden of taxes is additional sources of revenue. The Colorado River is a potential source of large revenue to our State, and that is why we are opposed to this reactionary bill, which will dash from the lips of our farmers and home owners the cup of relief from their tax burden. We want the Colorado River developed in a progressive rather than in an oppressive spirit. In other words, we want the river handled for the benefit of the people who own it."