I To devise laws which shall assist the work
of reclamation, and afford proper safeguards
alike to public and to private interests, while
recognizing the rights of ’he nation, on one
hand, and of the states on ihe other, Is a task
• that may not be lightly undertaken. We
I shall suggest a means by which It may be ac-
compilshed within a reasonable period, but
! In the meantime there are Important things
I which may be done by legislation. Nothing
' must be allowed to jeopardize the Interstate
* streams, and It Is highly Important that the
drainage area of these streams should be
promptly known and defined at once, In a
way sufficient for the purpose here In view,
and not await the slow results of a thorough
technical Inquiry, which sbou'd follow In Its
needed purposes. The pastoral lands,' es
pecially within these drainage area, should
also, in our judgment, be reserved for the
present from sale or permanent dlposal. The
‘ net results of leasing the same for range pur
' poses should be used for developing a possi
ble water supply, to tbe end that stock farms
and homes may be created thereon, Instead of
’ cattle ranges, as at present. Tho whole sub
’ ject of national legislation should be Investi
gated by federal authority, and, as a means
to this end. we suggest the appointment of a
non-partlzan commlMion, to be named at
once and instructed to report as soon as pos
. Bible.
The importance of the development of wise
local laws and tbe control of waters lying
i wholly within the individual states constitute
reasons for tbe early admission of the terri
tories into the Union.
