Page:Report of the Oregon Conservation Commission to the Governor (1908 - 1914).djvu/45



The water supply is of far greater importance to the people than any other of their natural resources, for upon it depends every function of life; its development is primarily the foundation of all industrial and commercial wealth, and therefore our progress as a nation will be measured directly by the economic use we make of our water resources.

Just now this question demands from the people of Oregon determined and prompt action, for unless something definite is done, and done quickly, water powers of an inestimable value that in all justice belong to the people will soon be in the hands of a few. When the wood, coal, oil and other exhaustible sources of energy are depleted, and we have to turn to that only perpetual source of energy—water power—what will be our chagrin and surprise to find all the favored sites owned, controlled with an incontestable right by the same parties! What a toll can then be levied upon the people for the common comforts of life! What a rich reward for the far-sighted individuals who waited all these years, persistently posting their notices every six months!

What we need is a law that will compel development, once a right to the use of water has been initiated, and an administrative system to see that such a law is enforced. In this manner and this only will the people be able to retain control of their most valuable asset and secure for themselves that necessary competition which insures against exhorbitant prices for the common comforts of life.

We want our water powers developed; we want them used—not monopolized; we wish to see industries of all kinds spring up in our midst; we want to see our agricultural lands developed, our arid lands watered and our State populated with industrious people, and we want them satisfied with their surroundings. Our water powers, our irrigation institutions, our navigation interests, in short our water resources will play no small part in this desirable scheme of things, and it is our duty to