| OCR Text |
Show -32- Due consideration is given to the needs of each basin, and there is apportioned to each seven and one-half million acre-feet annually from the flow of the river in perpetuity, and to the lower basin an additional million feet of annual flow, giving it a total of eight and one-half million acre-feet annually in perpetuity. There is thus allocated about 80 per cent of the total natural flow of the river, leaving some 1+,000,000 acre- feet unappcrtioned. While no other waters are definitely allotted by the compact, there is nothing which prevents the States of either basin from using more water than the amount apportioned, any rights to such use being subject to the further apportionment at a later date. This feature is covered by a provision for the creation of a new commission at the end of l\D years, which will have power to make a further apportionment of the water net now dealt with« The compact provides machinery for the settlement, without litigation, of disputes which may arise between the States; it gives agriculture preference over power in the use of the water; it makes navigation subservient to other uses; and it leaves open for international settlement any claims to the use of water in the Republic of Mexico. I do not consider it either necessary or appropriate to discuss in any detail the provisions of the compact which affect only the States that are parties to ito Conclusions as to those matters must rest with the States themselves. As the representative of the United States, I am primarily concerned with the protection of its interests, which may be summarized under the following heads.* (1) Its interest in the Colorado River as a navigable stream. (2) Its relation with the Republic of Mexico. (3) Its interest as proprietor of public lands and as owner of irri- gation works. (U) Its duties in relation to Indian tribes. (5) Its interest under the Federal water power act. THE EFFECT OF THE CQuPACT UPON THE INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES IN. THE COLORADO RIVER AS A NAVIGABLE STREAM. The only clause of the compact specifically affecting the navigability of the Colorado River is paragraph (a) of Article TV, as follows j. (a) Inasmuch as the Colorado River has ceased to be navigable for commerce and the reservation of its waters for navigation would seriously limit the development of its basin, the use of its waters for purposes of navigation shall be subservient to the uses of such water-s for domestic, agricultural, and power purposes. If the Congress shall, not consent to this paragraph, the other provisions of this compact shall nevertheless remain binding. - Many years ago the navigation of the Colorado River was possible and was actuaLly carried on from the mouth of the river to points in what is now |
