AZ vs. CA:03 California Exhibits, Vol III; Nos. 114-150

page 4

information a copy of a letter from Mr. J. A. Owensby, stating that a company of Englishmen, from Australia, is engaged in the construction of a large canal to carry water from the Colorado river into the Colorado desert, for the purpose of irrigation, and requesting that steps be taken to prevent the navigation of the river from being impaired by the canal. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant John Hay. Enclosed with the above letter was a copy of a letter from Mr. J. A. Owensby, referred to by the Secretary of State, a copy of which is as follows: Yuma, A. T. September 30, 1901. To the Hon. John Hay, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. Dear sir: I desire to call the attention of the State Department to a very important subject, one in which the United States Government as well as the Republic of Mecico, are interested, viz: the navigable condition of the Colorado river from here to the Gulf of California. This river has been and is now navigable for steamers of considerable size. There is a company of English from Australia engaged in excavating a large canal to carry water into the Colorado desert for irrigation pur-