The St. Johns Herald

Irrigation and Arid Lands.

We respectfully invite the attention of the people of Apache county generally, and the Supervisors particularly, to the following communication from the United States Committee on Water Storage. It explains itself, and needs no comment; but our citizens should be up and at work in this matter, as there are a great many places which, at a small outlay of money, could be made to hold sufficient to irrigate hundreds and hundreds of acres.

WASHINGTON, D. C., June 21.

EDITOR HERALD--As you are aware, the United States Senate has appointed a special committee on Irrigation and the Reclamation of Arid Lands, and charged it with an inquiry into those subjects. Said committee will meet at St. Paul, August 1st. next, and on that date will commence its tour of field investigation. It will be accompanied by Director Powell of the United States Geological Survey and by an Engineer Expert, assigned to its service.

The Committee desire the active co-operation of the newspapers published within the dry area; that is -west of the 100th meridian of west longitude--in the work of arousing public attention to the importance of this great subject. It especially asks for their aid in the gathering of data and the collection of facts. It is unnecessary to recapitulate to you what those facts are, but their collection will be a matter of essential service in laying the foundations of intelligent opinions for legislative and other action in the future. Each district and section should endeavor to secure as full a presentation of its own condition as may be practicable.

It will prove of value to the Committee's work if copies of any publication you may make are sent to the Committee.

Feeling assured that you comprehend the importance of this investigation, and asking, therefore, your active aid, in such ways as your judgment determines, the Committee leaves the matter with you. Communications, papers, reports, maps, etc., may be addressed U. S. Committee on Irrigation,(care U. S. Geological Survey,) Washington, D. C.

Letters of inquiry may be directed to Richard J. Hinton, Irrigation Engineer, (Care Director U. S. Geological Survey,) Washington, D. C.

The Special Committee consists of the following Senators: Hon. Wm. M. Stewart, (Chairman) Carson, Nev.; P. B. Plumb, Emporia Kan. ; W. B. Allison, Dubuque, Ia. ; Frank Hiscock, Syracuse, N. Y.; J. K. Jones, Washington, Ark.: J. H. Reagan, Palestine, Tex.; A. P. Gorman, Laurel, Maryland.