Deseret Evening News

THE IRRIGATION CONGRESS,

The fourth National Irrigation Congress is to convene at Albuquerque, New Mexico, in a little over two weeks-September 16 to 20.

Utah is entitled to representation in that body, and when her delegates are present at the congress no one claims greater attention. Utah's people are the pioneers of irrigation, and the foremost exponents of its practical application.

This fact brings them respectful recognition beyond anything that a burst of eloquence or a flow of oratory can secure. When our representatives speak, those interested in irrigation in the arid region listen with deep interest, knowing that they will receive instruction of a practical nature in respect to the science by which the otherwise desert waste is made to yield in plenty for the sustenance of man.

If there were no other consideration than the purpose to benefit our neighbors who are engaged in the work of cultivating the soil, this would be sufficient to make it imperative that Utah be properly represented in the meetings at Albuquerque. Our experience in these valleys is of inestimable value to the dwellers here.

The knowledge it has given is a priceless boon that can be conferred upon our neighbors in a truly philanthropic and brotherly spirit. The fraternal feeling between man and man requires that representatives of this Territory disseminate the information they possess on the important subject of irrigation.

The same is demanded by the highest patriotism which the citizen can display, since its tendency is to materially subserve the nation we form a part of.

From another point of view also, Utah cannot afford to pass without representation on this occasion.

At this particular juncture in our development, the people of the nation need to know more of us and what we are doing than they do now, that intimate acquaintance may establish that fraternal friendship which is the secure result, and our Territory receive the benefit thereof.

From either standpoint, therefore, it would be gross neglect to have Utah unrepresented at the Albuquerque congress of irrigationists.

We have not, as yet, noted the appointment of delegates from this Territory. There is opportunity for a goodly number, by appointment of the governor, mayors of cities, chambers of commerce and other powers.

Naturally those named by the executive department of the Territory are looked to first; there is little time to name them and yet allow some opportunity for preparation.

They should be men practically associated with irrigation matters; not mere talkers or theorists, but men who know something of what is being done here, and how to do it.

No other class would be representative of the interests to be considered. We hope that thoroughly capable delegates to the fourth Irrigation Congress will be named at an early day.