AbstractsLaw & Legal Studies

"On the 17th of June 1902, Congress passed an act which may have appeared of little moment at that time, but which is not attracting the attention of the people of the United States. It is known on the Statute Books as the Reclamation Act and its purpose is to provide a Reclamation Fund, the said fund being used only to examine and construct Irrigation Works in certain Western States and Territories. This Act provides that the proceeds of the sale of public lands in thirteen States and three Territories, known as the Public Land States, less a deduction of five per centum for a school fund, should be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior for the reclaiming of arid lands in those States and Territories" – p. 1.