Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water

by Marc Reisner

Fascinated by the outcome of this thing, Weinberg was finally persuaded to go along. Later that year, there was Dominy, with Hayden’s blessing already in hand, testifying before his counterpart on the House Appropriations Committee, chairman Clarence Cannon of Missouri. Dominy was eloquent in his blunt Harry Truman style. “I’ve got a building where icicles practically form in winter,” he complained, “and a plane where ice does form, right in the carburetor. My people need a decent place to work, and I need a plane that isn’t going to fall out of the sky so I can live to see them enjoy it.” Cannon asked, “Do you have any idea when your plane might fall out of the sky?” “Probably on the very next flight,” said Dominy. “Well, you let me know, then, when you plan to arrange it,” said Cannon. “I’ve got a list of passengers for you.” Then, without further questioning, Cannon approved both of Dominy’s requests.