New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-08-31
THE FORESTRY CONGRESS.

The avowed purpose of the American For
estry Congress, which begins its sixth annual
session at Denver in few days, commands
the sympathy Of every thoughtful man. And
vet the fact that there is still need of sounding
an alarm against the reckless devastation Of
our woodlands, and Of retcrating the worn
arguments for conserving our forest wealth, Is
Of itself discouraging. 1t should be remcm-
borcd, however, that during the last decade
some progress has been made The dissemna-
ton of what is recognized as scientific truth
concerning the influence of forests upon eli
mate, the retention of moisture. and the malntc-
nance of equally flowing streams has been
general. The census reports have drawn at
tention to the vanishing supply OF our most
useful woods, and given added value to
timber lands and a stronger motive to main
tain them in a productive condition. Examples
of profitable syvculture in Ncw-England and
the West have been brought to notice as OBJ
iect lessons for encouragement and instruction.
Some of our State colleges and experiment
stations, notably those of Illinois, Iowa and
Ohio, are making systematic study OF eco
nomic tree planting. A method of planting
large tracts by contract has been developed,
which insures to landowners thrifty stand
of established trees at the smallest possible
risk and expense.
On the other hand, it must be admitted that
little has been accomplished in the way Of
rescuing from spoliaton the forests that belong
to the nation or to individual States in New
York the power Of organized effort was DEM
onstrated when voluntary association OF
public-spirited citizens made their influence
felt in every newspaper Office and upon every
legislator at Albany until capable commission
was appointed to study the Adirondack prob
lem But their instructive report was prac-
tically suppressed when its publication was
most needed. The laws they recommended
were passed in mutilatcd form, and Governor
Hi handed over tie reservation TO men whose
administration thus far has given little occasion
for satisfaction or hope. Congress has done
nothing for the National forests, although
President Arthur considered them worthy OF
mention in his first message. In another mes
sage he made the specific recommendation to
establish a Forest Reserve in Montana. The
measure failed and has been neglected second
time by the House in its last session, although
passed a second time by the Senate. No step
has been taken to protect the sources of our
great rivers No honest effort has been made
to save the forests from the ravagcs of timber
thieves, consuming fires or destructive fiocks
and herds. In what estimation this great In
tcrest is held by our lawmakers can be learned
by look at the appropriations just voted to
the Department of Agriculture The Division
of Forestry receives $4,000, exactly tie
amount given to economic OrnithOlOgy AMI
mammalogy"; $4,000 goes to botany and
pomOlogy, $4,000 TO silkwonns, $4,000 to
$4,000 to tie Cattle Quarantine. while
statistics, pleuro-pncumOnla sorghum and the
seed swindlc receive more than 100000 apiece.
If the orators at Dcnyer can arouse Congress
to sense Of its Obligations in this direction
they will command Nations gratitude. il
they have the needed data let them state pre-
csely what the National Legislature should do
If not, let them aim to secure the appointment
of commission by the general Government
Of men whose recognized attainments and char
acter will carry authority to make a cOmprc-
hensive study of the question and report what
definite action is needed. The policy once de-
tclmined, the next step would he to organize
propaganda which should bring to every
Representative at Washington appeals from
bis constituents too urgent to be ignored. II
the wscst possible action were taken to-day
it would cost twenty times as much as the same
effort with greater promise of success would
is sure to come should be delayed twenty years
longer, the loss and cost would be beyond
computation.