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Show PROGRESS IN IRRIGATION. The Tribune desires most heartily to join In the congratulations which the public may take to Itself upon the assurances as-surances that all seems to be safe at-the at-the Washington end for Utah irrigation enterprises. The return of Mr. F. S. Richards adds word to tho assurances that were wired, of the favorable effect which his representations, and those of Mr. "West of the Arid Land Fund Reclamation Re-clamation Commission, In advocacy of the irrigation work in tho State, had upon the officials of the Interior Department. De-partment. To these assurances are added the encomiums of Mr. W. H. Sanders, a Government Irrigation expert, ex-pert, who says that ho understands tho Utah projects aro in good form, and frill bo carried out "Just as rapidly as he water users become prepared for them." All of which ia as good as could be desired. Mr. Sanders has Investigated a number num-ber of the Irrigation propositions which have been called to the attention of the Department, and his long residence in California and Interest in and knowledge knowl-edge of irrigation give his words great weight. It Is especially encouraging-, therefore, to have such welcome words frntn him n fh vnnln mionHnn nf n-nf. ting on with the work of improvement of tho water service here. But there Is another point upon which his judgment is equally valuable, and in the application of which the people do not need to wait for any Improved , facilities, whether at the Introduction of the Govornraent or in any other manner. man-ner. "Wo refer to economy in the. use of Irrigation water. His words on this point aro so significant that thoy wlll to advantage bear repetition. He says, speaking on this point of economy, and from what ho has seen: "Ono thing your farmers have yet to learn, I notice, is the economical use of water, more water being- wasted than Is actually utilized. In connection with the Government Irrigation projects a campaign of education on this polnt-wlll be Inaugurated. Farmers will be permitted per-mitted to take only tho amount of water they need, even though they might bo willing to pay for more. The Government Govern-ment will protect them against themselves." them-selves." That is indeed a water-gospel that needs preaching here. It has been insisted in-sisted upon by all the irrigation experts and scientific farmers who havo ever spoken on the subject here. It is a point of immense importance, for no matter how much water is supplied, waBto will create scarcity. And waste will do far niore haa done lt already, In fact, in many places; it will ruin land which Is situated below that upon I which the wasteful application Is made. A good many fields havo been ruined In this valley and elsewhere by the constant con-stant flooding of higher land In tho wasteful application of water. That it will be part of tho Government's Govern-ment's efforts to stop this wanton and unnecessary use, is wclcomo news. It will bo to the advantage of tho farmers, in every way, to stop it, and after they find the advantage of the better way, they would not return to the worse, if they could. |
