THE GREAT IRRIGATION MEASURE.
By G.
If time should last, much of the vast desert region between the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains might be made very productive. All that is needed is water, and the needed water is contained in the treasures of snow on these mountain ranges. A great general system of irrigation for this expanse of otherwise arid land, has been long talked of. Its feasibility has not been questioned, but private enterprise was not equal to the task. And if a great combination of capital should consummate the work, the result would be a vast monopoly of land and water. The only means by which the common people could be benefited, and moderate homes be the result, was for the government to do the work. But it takes a long time for plans favorable to the masses to develop, as there are so few men of influence who will devote the time and talent to enterprises in which there is no special large profit for the individual. It is so difficult to enlist the interest of public men where there is no personal gain in sight. There must always be at least a prospect of political gain. At last, however, it seems that political interests, to a certain extent, may be subserved by encouraging a really good thing, and the long-talked-of irrigation scheme has received the sanction of Congress and the Executive. Its immediate sponsors are highly pleased with it, and it appears to be, as was desirable, well guarded against private monopoly. This, of course, time alone will tell; for these are days of "perilous times" to the common people, as it is a time specially noted in prophecy when "men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous," etc. All sorts of schemes have been concocted for securing large bodies of timber land under concentrated ownership, contrary to law, and no doubt plotters will follow up the Irrigation Law—and all human laws are vulnerable; but the framers of this one have done their best. Representative Newlands, of Nevada, has this to say of it:— The bill has been so framed as not to require subsequent action by Congress or subsequent appropriation. It is perhaps the only bill ever passed which furnishes so complete, comprehensive, and automatic a plan of action. Under its provisions at least $150,000,000 of the proceeds of the sale of public lands will be available in the next thirty years for irrigation work, without further appropriation. The receipts from public lands of the last fiscal as well as the present fiscal year, and aggregating $6,000,000, are immediately available, and from this time on about $3,000,000 per annum will be available, which sum will be constantly increased as the lands are redeemed and sales are made. The bill is carefully guarded. The Secretary of the Interior can not let contracts, unless the money is in the fund. Land monopoly is impossible. In every9way the bill is drawn so as to preserve the public domain for home-seekers. The best feature of the measure is its automatic action. The entire work is done without the necessity of further legislation by Congress. We take occasion here to remind "home-seekers" that there is open for them an opportunity to secure an eternal home, where there are none of the annoying obstacles incident to home-getting in this sinful world. Many of you will have passed from this life before your hopes of success here are realized, and then it will be forever too late to secure a home in the better land. The title must be made sure while the present life exists. According to the promise of God, "we look for new heavens and a new earth," after this one shall have been renovated by fire; but the special characteristic is, "wherein dwelleth righteousness." No one who has not in this life secured the righteousness of Christ by faith, will be admitted there. "Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Of the land in the renewed earth, we have the assurance that "the desert shall blossom as the rose," and that will be without the difficulties incident to laborious irrigation. We are also assured that "they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them." But there will be no land or water monopoly; for "they shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat;" and "they shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for trouble." Here is inducement not offered by any land enterprise in this world, and it is within the reach of all, together with everlasting life in which to enjoy it. A simple faith in Christ, a "faith that works by love," gives one an inheritance in this glorious prospect. This proposition, based on the sure Word of God, is worthy of every home-seeker's attention.