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Show 215 eluded in an irrigation district which has contracted with the United States.380 The 1902 Act authorized the withdrawal from entry of public lands useful for projects.381 It required entrymen, prior to patent, to reclaim for agricultural purposes at least one-half of the irrigable area of the entry.382 In 1910, Congress prohibited entry before public announcement of the unit of acreage es- tablished, the water charges fixed, and the date when water could be applied.383 A basis for the screening of entrymen was established by Congress in 1924.884 The Secretary was thereby authorized to require of each public-land entry applicant, including prefer- ence-right veterans, such qualifications as to "industry, experi- ence, character, and capital" as he deems necessary to give assurance of success by the settler.385 The general preference entry rights of World War I veterans have expired.886 Veterans of World War II must be given at least a ninety days' preference right of entry.887 Implementing regulations provide that when reclamation farm units are open for entry, a drawing shall be held initially open only to vet- 880 Ibid. The inclusion of public lands in irrigation districts was condi- tionally authorized. Act of August 11, 1916, § 2, 39 Stat. 506, 507, as amended, 43 U. S. C. 622. 881 Act of June 17,1902, § 3, 32 Stat. 388, 43 U. S. C. 416. 882 § 5, 32 Stat. 389, 43 U. S. C. 439. 888 Act of June 25,1910, § 5, 36 Stat. 835, 836, as amended, 43 U. S. O. 436. 884 Act of December 5, 1924, § 4, subsection C, 43 Stat. 672, 702, 43 U. S. C. 433. 385 The implementing regulations require that applicants be possessed of honesty, temperate habits, thrift, industry, seriousness of purpose, a record of good moral conduct, and a bona fide intent to engage in farming. They must also have good health, and at least two years of farm experience. An examining board can require any amount of clear capital or its equivalent in livestock, farming equipment or other assets which it thinks useful in the development and operation of a new irrigated farm, which amount is an- nounced with each notice opening public lands to entry. 43 O. F. R. 401.8. 886 Act of June 12, 1930, 46 Stat. 580, as amended, 43 U. S. C. 186. An exception is provided in the case of the Boulder Canyon Project Act. Act of March 6, 1946, 60 Stat. 36, see 43 U. S. C. 617h. See also 43 O. F. R. 401.3- 401.6. 887 Act of September 27,1944, § 4, 58 Stat. 747, 748, 43 U. S. C. 282. |