WATERWAYS

Our river and harbor improvements are proceeding with vigor.  In the past few years Ave have increased the appropriation for this regular work $28,000,000, besides what is to be expended on flood control.  The total appropriation for this year was over $91,000,000.  The Ohio River is almost ready for opening; work on the Missouri and other rivers is under way.  In accordance with the Mississippi flood law Army engineers are making investigations and surveys on other streams throughout the country with a view to flood control, navigation, waterpower, and irrigation.  Our barrier lines are being operated under generous appropriations, and negotiations are developing relative to the St. Lawrence waterway.  To Secure the largest benefits from all these waterways joint rates must be established with the railroads, preferably by agreement, but otherwise as a result of congressional action.

We have recently passed several river and harbor bills.  The work ordered by the Congress not, yet completed, will cost about $243,

000,000, besides the hundreds of millions to be spent on the Mississippi flood way.  Until we can see our way out of this expense no further river and harbor legislation should be passed, as expenditures to put it into effect would be four or five years away.

IRRIGATION OF ARID LANDS

For many years the Federal Government has been committed to the wise policy of reclamation and irrigation.  While it has met with some failures due to unwise selection of projects and lack of thorough soil surveys, so that they could not be placed on a sound business basis, on the whole the service has been of such incalculable benefit in so many States that no one would advocate its abandonment.  The program to which we are already committed, providing for the construction of new projects authorized by Congress and the completion of old projects, will tax the resources of the reclamation fund over a period of years.  The high cost of improving and equipping farms adds to the difficulty of securing settlers for vacant farms on federal projects.

Readjustments authorized by the reclamation relief act of May 25, 1926, have given more favorable terms of repayment to settlers.  These new financial arrangements and the general prosperity on irrigation projects have resulted in increased collections by the Department of the Interior of charges due the reclamation fund.  Nevertheless, the demand for still smaller yearly payments on some projects continues.  These conditions should have consideration in connection with any proposed new projects.

COLORADO RIVER