New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-27
TILE PEOPLE WiNT ".

Ornaments of Governor Blacks sagacous plan
for the enlargement of the Adirondack preserve
and the protection of the forests for the benefit
of all the people are making their protests heard
nj Albany 1t is their undoubied right to do
this hut there is some danger that their loud
chorus Of dissent will produce an erroneous I'M
pression and have an undue influence upon MEM
bcrs of the Legislature. 1t is not unnatural.
though 1t is unfortunate, that supporters of the
bill do not gather at the Capitol to urge its pas
sage: for there is no compact organization or
interests to back it up. Its opponents. on the
other hand. actuated by considerations of per-
sonal advantage. or what they conceive to be
personal advantage. are conspicuous ana ener-
getic. In attributing selfish motives to these
persons we do not wish or mean TO give offence.
Their contention Is that the forestry bill of which
the Governor is the author and chief advocate
will injure them to an extent which public neccs-
slty does not require or justify. Their argu-
ment is a plausible one AT first sight: but this
is not first sight. and so it is not deceptive. Ii
Is. In substance. the same old argument. which
has avaed so long. 10 leave the North WOODS
at the mercy of individuals intent on co ert-
ing them into cash at the earliest possible mo-
mept The consideration which sustains the
magnitude and of such permanent concern to
the State as to demand its immediate lhteiler-
cnce at large expense and by summary proc
ess in the plans and operations OF the wool
choppers
1t is because this bill appeals 10 the people as
n whole and not to the special interests OF Few
that the attention Of legislators Is almost mo
nopolized for the time being by its opponents.
l. Il. Ia
while the common welfare is represented al the
capital only by those who have immediate charge
of the measure which they antagonlze But II
should not he assumed by anybody on TINS ac-
count that the people Of NcwIork are indlifer-
emit They have shown plainly that they are
not The rigid provision Of the Constitution IN
relation to the forest preserve was the only
amendment which the convention unanimously
adopted and there is every reason to Deheve
that 1t was as heartily approved, to say the
least as any part Of the work which the people
ratified at the polls. Though too rigid TO be
justified except as n safeguard against dangers
which had become acute and to which long eX-
pcrence had shown that the State could not af-
ford TO oppose strictly scientific treatment. this
provision Of the organic law was JOyfully halled
ne tho enunciation Of a definite and permanent
policy of forest preservation.
The bill now before the Legislature Is in fur
therance of that policy. II has been modifed
in such manner as TO prevent needless sacr
fee Of private rights. by permitting spruce tim
Der. more than ten inches in diameter. TO be cut
and removed by present owners during period
Of fifteen years. That concession is considerable
OF individual interests. and though liable 10
abuse is on the whole acceptable to the advo-
Gates OF the bill. 1t seems 10 us that 1t ought
n no accountable also TO the opponents Of the
original measure.