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Show SECRETARY'S OFFICE D E P A R T M E N T OF T H E I N T E R I OR W A S H I N G T O N , D.C. April 5, 1907. Sir: Since Captain Johnson's recent visit to your Agency, I have given the Ute conditions and the prospects of the Indians under your charge careful consideration. You will immediately call a council of the Indians of tho throo tribes or bands of Utes under your charge, giving ample notice so that there may be as large an attendance as possible, and explain fully to them the present situation and future pros- ,pects. Following are some of the things which you should tako great pains to explain to them: By the Act of June 21, 1906, Congress provided for the construction of irrigation systems to irrigate the allotted lands of the Uncompahgre, Uintah, and White River Utes, the limit of cost being fixed at $600,000, to be reimbursed from the sale of the surplus land. That act appropriated the sum of $125,000 as tho first installment. Tho further cum of $150,000 has been appropriated for the next fiscal year, and undoubtedly tho balance of $425,000 will be appropriated if needed to complete the systems. The work was begun last year and is being prosecuted with diligence. The systems, when completed, will irrigate all the allotted lands. When watered, their allotments will be very valuable--40 acres v/ill be worth more than 320 acres of land not irrigated. But in |
