Mail Tribune 100, Nov. 16, 1916 - News - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

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Mail Tribune 100, Nov. 16, 1916 Wednesday Nov 16, 2016 at 12:01 AM Nov. 16, 1916 HEAR ARGUMENTS IN LAND FRAUD CASE Attorney General Brown continued argument today before Circuit Judge F. M. Calkins in the case of the state of Oregon vs. F. A. Hyde to recover for the state of Oregon school land secured by F. A. Hyde in 1899 by dummy entrymen. Hyde was indicted with Benson Diamond and Snyder at the time of the entry, surrendering the school lands and getting lieu lands in return. These lands were sold to the Western Lumber Co., and the Anaconda Copper Co. of Montana. These companies maintain that they were innocent parties to the transaction and have rightful title to the lands. Attorney General Brown and Assistant Attorney General J. O. Bailey, assisted by G. G. Brown, secretary of the state land board of Oregon, are handling the case for the state. The defendants are represented by Judge Wm. Bickford and Attorney J. C. Hershey of Missoula, Mont., Attorney A. C. Shaw of Portland, and J. Phillips, auditor for ex-Senator Clark of Montana. HANLEY OPPOSES DISTRICT PLAN FOR IRRIGATION Final argument is being heard in the county court this afternoon regarding the calling of a special election for the establishment of an irrigation district. It is thought a decision will be reached late this afternoon or early tomorrow. E. N. Reames, on behalf of E. B. Hanley, yesterday questioned whether the canal company has sufficient water to secure the success of the project. Mr. Hanley, he stated does not question the value of irrigation, but desires the exemption of his alfalfa land on the ground that such a crop is not in need of irrigation. Although a number of the largest property owners are opposed to the plan, the sentiment of the famers as a whole is apparently overwhelmingly in favor of the establishment of the district. Over a hundred ranches attended the meeting yesterday. Among them Dillon Hill, a recent convert to the cause of irrigation, was the most ardent advocate of the district plan, maintaining that this is the most feasible plan for furnishing the county with irrigation. A large number of ranchers are in attendance at the meeting today when the question is being further considered. The county court will decide whether or not there is sufficient demand for irrigation to warrant the calling of a special election.