Secretary," said one of the
delegates. "But let the state control that. We fear too much
bureaucracy and centralization of authority here in Washington. And
don't forget, if it came to a scratch, we could say to Uncle Sam, you
own the stream, but you shan't use a street or a town facility reaching
it."
Enoch raised his eyebrows. "Uncle Sam doesn't want more power. If the
states had not been so careless and so corrupt in regard to their
public lands and their waters, there would be no need now for the
Department of the Interior to assert its authority. Show me, Mr.
Delegate, that there are neither politics nor monopolistic dreams in
Idaho's attitude toward her Water Power problem and I'd begin to
de-centralize our policy toward your state."
Abbott opened the door and tip-toed to Enoch's desk. "I'm sorry, Mr.
Secretary," he said softly, "but Senator Far has been waiting five
minutes."
"I'm sorry too," replied Enoch. "Gentlemen, we have used up the time
allotted. Will you make arrangements with Mr. Abbott for a longer
conference, to-morrow? Come back with the proofs!" He smiled, and the
gentlemen from Idaho smiled in return, but a little ruefully. The last
one had not turned his back when Enoch began an attack on the pile of
letters.
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