AZ vs. CA:24 California Exhibits, Vol. XXIV; Miscellaneous

page A86

A86 APPENDIX 210 first be captured and used while it is young," for it can then be recaptured as it returns from the performance of its duties and thus be used over and over again. Attention is further directed to the fact that many of these irrigation projects, of a magnitude to be developed only by the Federal Government, can be properly carried on without interfering with smaller developments which should be undertaken by individual and corporate initiative, and we therefore urge upon the Interior and Agricultural Departments the adoption of a liberal and sympathetic policy in the granting of rights-of-way for reservoirs and ditches upon the public domain, where the same are essential to the development of such private projects. We further urge the liberal administration of all land laws of the United States looking to the end of placing the lands of the United States in the actual possession and occupation of its citizens in order that the citizens may have a home and that the lands may go upon the tax rolls of the various States in which they may be located in order that they may bear their just portion of the expense of State administration. Along the lines set forth in these resolutions, we pledge ourselves to a hearty cooperation with the representatives of the Federal Government in order that the desired end may be attained at the earliest possible moment consistent with a wise administration of the affairs of the Nation and of States. In the carrying out of all reclamation projects in which the Federal Government may become interested, its activities should ever be in conformity with the laws of the State in which the project under development is located. In the arid States of the West the irrigation projects undertaken by or with the aid of the Federal Government should in every instance be based upon a full compliance with the laws of the State wherein the projects are located so far as the appropriation of water and other matters of purely State control are concerned. Subsequent meetings of the league were held at Los Angeles where resolutions of a similar character were adopted. Denver Conference A subsequent meeting of the league was held at Denver August 25-27, 1920, at which the desirability of encouraging the construction of large reservoirs in the canyon of the Colorado Hiver for purposes of flood control, power, and irrigation was discussed, and at which the Director of the Reclamation Service assured the representatives of the seven States that the construction of such reservoirs need in no manner interfere with the future development of the upper reaches of the streams within the States of origin of the waters to be impounded by the reservoirs situate in the Lower States. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted: Be it resolved, That the resolution, adopted at the conference of the league, held at Salt Lake City, January 18-21, 1919, and tha proceedings of the third convention of the League of ths Southwest, held at Los Angeles, April 2-3, 1920, be, and thj same are, hereby ratified, approved, and reaffirmed. Whereas it is the understanding of this league, from information presented by Hon. Arthur P. Davis, director of the United States Reclamation Service, that the water supply of the Colorado River drainage is sufficient to supply the present and future necessities of all of the States whose territory is involved and that all present and future interference with development upon or from the upper reaches of the stream should be avoided: Now, therefor;, be it