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Show #5. in the late appropriation bill, a narrow strip of land could be reserved by Presidential authority on either side of the streams mentioned- outside of the allotted area- for a distance of 24 or more miles, which would certai2ily erect a barrier between the settler and the stream. This action would create a commotion in Utah, however, and it will be much more satisfactory if the Department can protect the rights of the Indians in accordance with State laws, even though the requirements there^of are not easy of fulfillment. Assuming that our applications are approved and endorsed by the State Engineer, we will be allowed 6 months in which to begin worK on the various systems, and will be given 5 years to complete the same and put the appropriated water to a beneficial use. -_.-_.-.•.-•-.-.. a„A.X~A.A..AxXr- x It is my opinion that there would only be one way by which this latter act could be even partially accomplised; to-wit; allow all the Indians who are physically unable to farm their lands, the privilege of leasing the same to white settlers for a term of years, sufficiently long so that the settler could afford to comply with proper requirements which should be made by the Department in behalf of the Indians. While I am aware of the disadvantages and drawbacks attendant upon leasing Indian lands, it is apparently the only way by which the water can be secured to such a large area as will be comprised in their allotments, in a manner which will |