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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />(1 st Meeting, Jan. 26, 1922, Washington D.C.) <br /> <br />Secretary Hoover: <br />(authoritative, competent, welcoming, patient voice, looks at each of the <br />Commissioners right in the eye individually at times, sometimes as if the <br />Secretary sees some distant utopian but orderly horizon) <br />I am glad to have the honor of welcoming the Commissioners to <br />Washington for this initial meeting of the Commission. <br />This Commission has been established primarily to consider <br />and, if possible, agree upon a compact between the seven states of <br />the Colorado River Basin. This compact shall provide equitable <br />division of the water supply of the Colorado River and its tributaries <br />among the seven states. If achieved, the Compact will be subject to <br />ratification by their State Legislatures and Congress. <br />The sole object of the Federal Government is to secure <br />development of the Colorado River in the interest of all. It is fortunate <br />that there is little established right on the river and that we have <br />almost a clean sheet with which to begin our efforts. <br />Yet, the problem is not as simple as it might appear. There is <br />possibly ample water in the river for all purposes--if adequate storage <br />is undertaken. However, there will not be sufficient water unless we <br />develop some definite program of water conservation. <br />Populations depending on the lower river are in extreme <br />jeopardy from floods. In fact, flood control has become vital to their <br />very existence. <br /> <br />Mr. Carpenter: <br />(self-possessed, bordering on the arrogant, but is constantly aware that this <br />great enterprise must be successful and he bears a heavy burden to <br />accomplish this) <br />Mr. Secretary, it affords me great pleasure to nominate Secretary <br />Hoover as permanent chairman of this Commission. <br /> <br />Mr. McClure: <br />(somewhat aloof, makes a sour look once in awhile, sometimes appears to <br />be absent in his presence) <br />I second the motion. <br /> <br />6 <br />