Show John P. P Collier Praises Projects in Uintah Basin Lauds Lands New Hospital John P. P Collier United States State commissioner of Indian affairs expressed expressed ex ex- pressed gratification at the Improvement Im its- provement prO in conditions in Indian affairs since his last visit here three years ago Mr Mr Collier who addressed a meeting of of the tribesmen at Ft Duchesne Friday Fridal said that on his last visit the Uintah Basin Basin Basin Bas Bas- in lands had been en in a virtual state of wreckage th the range Hands barren from anthe an anthe anthe the farm lands in many instances waterlogged because of a poorly planned irrigation system The Indians are arc doing a superb superb superb su su- su- su piece of work in erosion con con- 4 and have themselves given toward an improvement I program which has already an I appropriation of under the reorganization act ho he said The improvement program also involves purchasing farm tarm lands Ii In ill the Uncompahgre area and annexing more public domain to add to grazing areas This work Mr Mi Collier said will willaid willaid willaid aid the white settlers as well through Improved irrigation projects projects projects pro pro- and better range control The commissioner based his prediction prediction prediction pre pre- diction of better times Umes for the Uintah Basin on two things 1 A comprehensive soil solI erosion control and range rehabilitation program and improvements to the irrigation systems involving an immediate expenditure of and 2 The recent completion of a first class hospital at Fort Duchesne Duchesne Duchesne Du Du- Du- Du chesne built with PW A Indian service funds The better medical care afforded afforded afforded af af- af- af forded by the new hospital was given credit for the rapid increase on in birth rate among the Indians of ot the Basin At the present time the birth rate among the Indians in the Basin is higher than that of the Whites Mr Collier said with a rapid decrease in an ly among infants and children |