New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-03-11
THE ADIRONDACK FORESTS
MR.. BoYNToNs SUBSTITUTE DEBATED.
ARGUING on TIE BILL UNTIL MIDNIGHT-FISAL Ac-
TON NOT YET TAKEN.

TON NOT YET TAKEN.
ALBANY, March 1O.-Tbe House tonight pro-
ceeded 10 the consideration Of the Adirondack
Reservation bill, and tho discussion was not con-
cluded until nearly midnight. Mr. Hustled at
tempted TO have the consideration of the bill post
poned until Tomorrow, but the House by decided
vote determined to go on with it at once. The
pending question upon the substitute offered
by Mr.. BOynton. comforting on the Controller the
entire custody of the State lands in
the Nortbsm counties, with power to make
all proper regulations and to appoint four
foresters at annual salaries not exceeding $1,000.
! Mr.. Boynton said he was satisfied that the senti
ment against any proposition looking toward
the creation of an Adirondack Park OF Forest in
volving the creation OF an additional bureau In
Albany, at a large expense to the State. and also
looking toward the acquisition of lands by the State
by purchase. He had offered the substitute in per-
feet good faith and for the reason that he believed
the law of 1Ss3 prohibiting the sale of any lands
in the counties named would work hardship and
Injustice to many counties, without any correspond
ing benefit to the State.
| Mr.. House did not believe that Mr.. Boyntons
substitute had been offered in good faith, but that
it was an attempt to defeat the passage of the pro-
per measure and to assist in the passage of little
scheme Of his iBoyntOf's) own. Mr.. House favored
the Chamber of COmmerce-Lansing compromise
BILL agreed upon In committee.
Mr.. Kelly supported Mr.. Houses allegation
of bad faith on the part of tire chair
man of the Committee on Public
Lands (Boynton). The bill, reported.
had been carefully considered and numerous
hearings had been given. As the matter
came before the House, however, the chairman
offered a substitute which no but himself had
ever seen.
ANY LEGISLATION OPPOSED.
Mr. Ely took strong ground in a vigorous speech,
| against any legislation whatever on the subject
| The Hudson River he SAID was an arm of the sea.
subject to tides and there would be plenty of water
| upon which to float the commerce Of the State If
not drop of water flowed into it from he Adiron-
dack region. He went further, and declared
that the river would be far more
navigable if all the upper streams emptying into
the Hudson dried up. These streams brought
down vast amounts Of refuse and dirt, rendering
dredging necessary every year. He declared that
the Chamber of Commerce bill was grand scheme
in the interest Of individuals. and was backed by
an eager and inscriptions lobby, which invaded
even the rooms Of members Of the Legislature. He
denied that any additional legislation needed.
| lie spoke he said in behalf Of rural constituent
cies which were now Over-burdened by taxation
and upon which n large portion Of the additional
tax would fall. He offered amendment TO the
substitute Of Mr. Boynton, to increase the number
Of forester- to six to fix their salaries at $500 per
annum aud to limit their travelling expenses to
$3.50
Mr.. BoyntOn accepted the amendment.
Mr. LittlejOhn held similar views declaring that
the idea that the navigation of the Hudson River
depended upon the waters in the northern region
was the veriest nonsense. The press of the State,
he said, had exhibited great ignorance this sub
iect. The whole boom in favor of this reservation
was a matter of sentiment. AS tn the forests In
tins region, he declared that they were
greater to-day than they were twenty-five years ago
The State every year came into possession of
larg- amounts of land through nOn-payment of
taxes and under the operation Of the law OF 1888
the territory owned by the State wonld rapidly in
crease. He opposed any legislation the subject.
ARGUMENTS ~ FAVOR AND AGAINST
Mr. Howe came 10 the rescue Of the advocates of
the reservation, denying that the passage of the
proper measure would lead TO the expenditure Of
untold millions. He did not think it necessary 10
present any Arguments in favor Of preserving the
head waters of the Hudson. That question had
long ago boon settled.
Mr. Erwin declared that there were men lobbying
in favor OF this bill not outside of the Legislature.
He said that no legislation whatever was needed.
Mr. Hustled stated that he desired to say to those
who we're determined to kill this bill in cold blood
be passed. He regretted the attack that had been
made uDon the Chamber Of Commerce which was
composed of some of the finest citizens Of the State
There had been great deal said about the acquire
ment by the State of lands through the nOn-paY-
ment of taxes. but the title of the State to such
lands absolutely worthless. II could not be
denied that the forests were being rapidly denuded
by the axe and by forest fires.
Mr.. Hunt argued that the deudation OF forests
was productive Of great harm, not only causing
great and destructive freshets, but changing the
climate of whole regions. He was thoroughly CON
WINGED that some legislation necessary, but
was not prepared say which measure he should
finally support.
FlLIsBUsTERING AT A LATE HOUR.
In the House Mr.. Erwin moved that the Commit
tee of the Whole be discharged from further con-
siderat0n of the BILL and that its discussion be in
definitely postponed. and on that motion he moved
the previous question. and the yeas and nays were
ordered Before the roll was called Mr.. Kelly
moved that the House adjourn. Lost; yeas. 25
nays, ~.
House. which was voted down. The vote order
ing the previous question resutedi Yeas 80,
Nays 5.
Sir Hustled raised the point of order that quo
rum had not voted, and the Speaker declared II well
taken. Mr.. Hustled then moved that the House
adjourn. Lost. Yeas 2S nays a.
Sir LittejOhn SAID this was the first time during |
the session that the dignity of the House had been
up in a body and leaving the chamber |
and then returning when it suited their purpose
lie should move for call of the House. in order to
preserve the dignity of the House. The motion was
subsequently Withdrawn and a motion to adj |
journ carried without opposition, II being !
stated by the chair that the hrst |
clson on the motion of Mr.. Erwin 10 discharge |
the Committee of the Whole from further cOnsid- |
Grafton OF the bill and to postpone the matter in
definitely.