W. Green and F. Green.

Best general reference: Political Economy of Government Intervention," Lator's Cyclopaedia, Vol. II, p. 380.

1. (a) The execution of such a scheme would involve great expense.- Congressional Record, 1888, speeches of Forney and of Herbert. pp. 9305, 9317; (b). would be sectional, p. 9315; (c) would increase the civil service-McMillin, p. 9323; (d) enough land capable of cultivation exists at present in the United States.- Plumb, p. 7730. For density of population in the different States, see Lalor, Vol. III. p. 1007.

2. Government undertakings (a) are not conducted economically.- Cong-Record, p. 9375. For instance, in river and harbor bills.- Lalor, Vol. II, p. 572. (b) Are not always well managed, as in the post office.- No. Am. Review, Dec., 1888, p. 704.

3. Government aid for irrigation has not been necessary in the past.- Congressional Record, speeches of Allison and of Forney, pp. 7722 and 9322.

4. The West does not want such aid, and is opposed to such a scheme.- Cong. Record, speeches of Symes and of Teller, pp. 9324, 9374, 9387 and 7736.

5. It would be unconstitutional. (a) Congress cannot make internal improvements merely because they promote the "general welfare."- Story's Commentaries, and 1272-1276. (b) Congress can make only such laws as are "necessary and proper" for the execution of the granted powers.- Constitution, Art. 1, Sec. 8, Cl. 18, 8 Wallace, 603.

6. It would involve a confiscation of private property. The owner of land on the border of a stream has, by common law, a right to the use of the water.- Nation, Vol. 45, p. 474.