Page 3

OS7000 Zeutschel, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 16,644,596 byteswould be $19,800, and for the bridge across the Gila River, including the change in the course of the river and approaches, $45,500. There is inclosed a copy of a report of November 2, 1912, addressed to the Indian Office by Supervisor of Construction John Charles, who made an investigation of the conditions, together with copies of the plans, specifications, etc., which accompanied his report.Respectfully,WALTER L. FISHER, Secretary.----Denver, Colo., November 2, 1912. The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, Washington, D. C. SIR: I respectfully submit herewith surveys, drawings, and specifications and estimates for two bridges, one across the San Carlos and one across the Gila River, on the White Mountain or San Carlos Reservation, Ariz., as directed in office letter, dated September 6, 1912. My instructions included the following: In examining the sites for proposed bridges on the San Carlos Reservation there should be taken into consideration the probability of constructing a dam at San Carlos Dam site and the consequent backing up of water, and the bridges should be so located as not to be flooded in case the dam should ever be constructed. The San Carlos Agency is located approximately 1¼ miles west from the confluence of the San Carlos and Gila Rivers. A ford is now found across the Gila River a few hundred feet from this junction, which can not be used with loaded wagons for a period of approximately 120 days in each year on account of high water. The Indians usually ride to the river, leave their teams there, and walk across the railroad bridge to reach the agency during these periods. The most favorable site for bridges at this time, without considering the backwater from the proposed reservoir, is directly below the railroad bridge a short distance above the confluence of the rivers. I have secured data for these locations should they be required. In considering the best location for bridges above flow line of the proposed San Carlos Reservoir, it was found necessary to go approximately 6 miles northeast from the San Carlos Railroad station on the Gila and 4 miles northwest on the San Carlos Rivers. These rivers run through adobe and sand formation, and quicksand is found in large quantities in both rivers. There are approximately 500 Indians living east of San Carlos, who must cross both rivers to reach the agency. The Bylas farming district is located on the south side of the Gila River and east of the proposed bridge site. It is estimated that 4,000 acres of land is available for the use of the Indians in this district. Ditches are now in to cover about 1,400 acres, and 750 acres are platted and will be under cultivation this year. This land is divided up into 118 small farms, ranging from 5 to 10 acres each. This is the largest farming district located on the opposite side of the river from the agency. The construction of the proposed San Carlos Dam woul