Show TWE anniva ARY VY OF reclamation ACT W on this tho the twentieth I 1 annisor ot at tho the reclamation act it la is fitting thai that wo should tako take bf tho which havo have followed tho the adoption of a unique policy at 0 internal expansion I 1 take that cates vid tho the maj r of its bone fi clarles aro are agreed lat success out weighs weltha failure failer 0 und I 1 I 1 t tant I 1 t sub substantial at a I 1 it I 1 a I 1 benefits to tile tho nat nation 1 at 1 havo boon been shown I 1 am confident that question la Is no longer raised its as to tho the ability of tile the federal engineers to plan and construct efficiently tho the monumental 1 works required tho the public has accorded generous commendation oil to i those who have ren rendered dorod this imbor ant loo oc tho the primary purpose of tho the tr fr mors of this law and of congress enacting it it was only to promote I 1 development and uso ilso of arid tat lay 5 but also to es establish tab 1181 thereon corn coma g and contented of at an arm owners if tile tho thought of gress gresa had been merely to rack 1 lands regardless of tho the size of hold a authority to restrict the area in ownership would not iw hat s A bee been a c conferred 0 efer red upon the Seer vetar I 1 mhd I 1 lawmakers aw makers planned to create many as possible f ft country minded citizens to obtain a foothold on oil the soil boll recognizing that from such citizens the nation draws its ita strength the success it if the law must bo be measured measured therefore by tile the extent to which the reclaimed lands are utilized in tho the making of sup arting american homey and not noc E by the accomplishments of engineers engl neero n constructing great hydraulic works up to tho the present period of deflation the law lam has met the acid toa of at repayment and notwithstanding the tha general depression in industry and agriculture I 1 believe the majority of irrigation settlers will meet meat their obligations to the government when due A study of those projects whency tho the greatest number of at requests tor for deferment havo have come reveals conditions which should bo be given cai careful eaul consideration by tile the project people and the department as aa athe poo hoopla pieto pie alo to meet meat their payments may be attributed to many causes the prime causo cause of course liaa has been the depro cla tIli in the price of farm products it has also been necos necessary sary to roa readjust a production to pease needs rather than to the exigencies of war time demand it Is unnecessary to go into a detailed discussion of tho the results of deflation as aa applied first a 0 the tha farmers or longtime long time credits a second to tho the reduction of at the per capita circulation increasing the purchasing power of tho dollar and decreasing the value of the products of the basic industries etc in somo tow few instances contributed loom ol 01 evasn olum 0 jo o oin ol 01 their obligations among such controlling and contributory causes may bo be mentioned the following purchase of land at speculative prices too largo large individual holdings leasing of lands to tenants failure to diversify crops and neglect of dairying conr farming duo due to inexperience or other causes cause lack of organization in marketing obviously it is not tho the policy of the government to encourage the uso use ot of its bounty in tho the enrichment of those who do not mako make uso use of the land or to extend relief indefinitely to those unqualified allried tor for farm life to do either would bo be a distinct disservice to those who to industry and hard toll toil aro are meeting their obligations obligation a the communities and the government Govern mont are alike ailko concerned in seeing that the lands which have been reclaimed by federal funds are put to the fullest and wisest use largo large holdings must lie subdivided and sold to bona tide fido settlers tile the contented farmer is an asset to tile tho community whereas the failure la is a liability it la is tile the duty of those in the community to those who are not farmers or qualified to become successful farmers to find some other vocation to which they aro are better adapted it la Is cheering cheer lne to note that project communities are awakening to the tact fact that a duty rests upon them to got get together in working out plans tor for promoting subdivision and settlement and for a moro more intensive use of the abundantly fertile land tor for which tho the government has turl furi shod the water lol local associations are listing hating lands and aro are preparing to undertake a comprehensive settlement campaign in these laudable efforts the department will extend hearty coop cooperation corporation oration land ahnger has not ceased tho the moment la Is opportune for or bringing tho the advantages and the attractions ol at these fertile western areas to the attention ot of tile tho farm trained citizens who are seeking independence on tile the land tho the twentieth anniversary of reclamation cla will bo be observed generally in a L spirit of thanksgiving memories of 0 pioneer privation will be tempered by a feeling ot of gratification that real progress haa has been baon mado made and a bright future la is assured permanent non t and substantial are the achievements of those who ventured in tho the unknown desert it was their ask to ran slate tho the visions ot at roosevelt lowlands Now lands and other great reclamation leaders leaden into triumphant real ties in so ao doing they aro are guarantors guaran tors ot of the continuation ot of ft a vigorous self respecting citizenship albert 11 yau fall |