tnewdit.html

The Hood River Glacier, Hood River, OR., November 8, 1895, page 2

The new ditch has failed to materialize, so far. Securing right of way seems to where the trouble comes in. It will be sad indeed if this ditch falls through by reason of property owners asking exorbitant prices for right of way through their lands. The land will be enhanced in price all over the valley if the ditch is built. Without the ditch some of our lands will remain worthless except for pasturage during about four months of the year. The men who organized this ditch company our citizens of the valley. We all know them and know they have no money to throw away for right of way. They expected to pay for all damage to cultivated land and other improvements, but never dreamed that any person would want damages where the ditch would benefit him. We know of a piece of land half a mile long and 44 rods wide, the owner of which gave the Hood River Valley Supply Co. right of way diagonally across the upper 20 acres and down the length of it on one side. He now would like to give right of way for a ditch the whole length of other side, and wouldn't object to a ditch or two crossing through the middle. The valley needs this irrigating ditch if it needs anything, but men will not undertake to build it if they have to spend all their means fighting for right of way.