| OCR Text |
Show Water - 723 Peterson asks Mead to visit the So. Ute Reservation to witness severe water shortage that forces all but nine of 500 Utes off the land. Peterson comments ironically about the futility of monthly reports of Indian industrial conditions, without water supply provided in 1895 treaty. Also, Utes reportedly living near water sources were being driven off by whites claiming those areas for stock range. Jan. 10, 1905 Peterson, W. M, Supt., Ft. Lewis School Letter to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Peterson responds to the commissioners request that work on the Animas Ditch be done by those who own allotments along it. He describes those who own the allotment and the condition of their land. He concludes that only Charles Chavez, a Ute, and three white leasees benefit from the ditch. Chavez won't do the work, so the whites should assume some financial responsibility for the ditch's upkeep. Feb. 23, 1905 Supervisor in Charge, So. Ute Agency Letter to Col. David F. Day, Durango Information is requested about promises made when lands were allotted and ditches were built. Indians say they were promised money and sheep, and the ditches were to be used only by the Indians. Neither has occurred. Mar. 3, 1905 Peterson, W. M, Supt., Ft. Lewis School Letter to Commissioner of Indian Affairs Peterson responds to the commissioner statement that Ignacio and the other Indian realize " the utter inability of the Government to provide water for irrigation." The statement is not true. The Indians can see, from white irrigation efforts, that irrigating the reservation is possible. Peterson suggests a method. |
