| OCR Text |
Show -8- the Atlantic States; and is, indeed, the only route which can be formed through our own territory between these points. It is the best line for a railroad to the Pacific from the Southern Atlantic States. Over this route should pass the trade and commerce between these important sections, the supplies and munitions of the Government, and the current migration to the Pacific coast; all of which is frustrated by the want of water. The mail has to diverge into Mexican territory; the rich mineral products of Arizona, instead of going out through some California port, are driven to the foreign and more distant port of Guaymas; travel is forced into circuitous routes, emigration suspended, and this immense region is left unpeopled, to the great detriment of the State of California in wealth and power. And such must forever remain its condition unless an adequate supply of water can, in some way, be found. With that all would be changed. It is well ascertained that water cannot be obtained on the plain itself. It seldom rains, and when it does, it is only in light showers; and it is impossible to gather and preserve in cisterns an adequate supply even for the wants of travelers, and still more so to secure enough even for the most imperfect irrigation. All attempts to procure it by wells have signally failed. In some cases wells have been sunk to the depth of 120 feet and no sign of water found. In one case, where a small quantity was found, it was lost entirely by deepening the shaft in hope of a greater quantity. The citizens of San Bernardino County have spent about $4,000 in vain endeavors to procure water by sinking wells. This Government has sent out frequent expeditions from Fort Yuma in search of water, but after hard labor and great suffering they have always returned without success. Even the streams that come down from the mountains are speedily evaporated in the hot atmosphere or soon lost in the arid plain. |
