The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1897-10-09
The LAW WILL MAKE PLAIN
The Many Benefits to be De-
rived from the Survey.
OF West Virginia by the Geological
Board-an Undertaking Which Prom
ises NAM Commercial Result.

The following is the act passed by
the legislature last winter authorizing
and providing for the state geological
survey. twill give correct idea of
the scope OF the proposed work.
An act To establish state geol-
ogical and economic survey, and to
make provision for the preparation
and publication of reports and maps
to illustrate the natural resources OF
the state, together with the neccs-
sary Investigation preparatory thereto.
Be it enacted by the legislature of
West Virginia:
That there is hereby established
state geological and economic survey
which shall be under the direction OF
a commission composed of the COVER
nor, the treasurer, the president of
the West Virginia University, the
president of the state board OF agri-
culture, and the director OF the West
Virginia agricultural experiment sta
tien, who shall serve without COM
pensation, but shall be reimbursed
for actual expenses incurred in the
performance of their official duties:
and the said commissioners shall
have general charge Of the survey and
appoint as. superintendent Of the
same a geologist of established repu-
tation, and such assistants and en-
ployes as they may deem necessary;
and they shall also determine the
compensation of all persons employed
by the survey, and remove them at
their pleasure.
That the survey shall have for its
objects:
An examination of the geological
formations of the state, with special
reference to their economic products
namely: building stone and other
constructive materials and resources,
clays and other mineral substances
and fuel, the prevention OF their
waste, and the utilization of by pro-
ducts.
An examination and classification
of the soils and a study OF their adapt
ability to particular crops.
An examination of the forests and
timber lands Of the state with refer
ence to the economic utilization of
the same and the preservation of
heir waste,
An examination of the physical
features of the state with reference to
their practical bearing upon the occu-
pations of the people, the industrial
development and the material pros
perity of the several portions of the
state, having due regard to their vary
ing resources, conditions and needs.
The preparation of special geolog-
ical and economic maps to illustrate
the resources of the state
The preparation of special reports,
with necessary illustrations and maps,
which shall embrace both general
and detailed description of the gcol
ogy and natural resources of the state
The consideration of such other
scientific and economic questions as in
the Judgment of the commissioners
shall be deemed of value to the people
of the state, and the immediate estab-
fishing of the proper marking OF the
meridian points in the several county
seats Of the state.
That the commissioners shall cause
to be prepared a report to the legis-
lature before each meeting of the
same, showing the progress and con-
ditions of the survey, together with
such other information as they may
deem necessary and useful or as the
legislature may require.
That the regular and special reports
of the survey, with proper illustrations
and maps, shall be printed as the
commissioners may direct, and that
the reports shall be distributed or
sold by the state, the diffusion of
practical information relating to the
development Of the state, and the adj
vancement of science may demand:
and all moneys obtained by the sale of
the reports shall be paid into the
state treasurey.
That all materials collected, after
having served the purpose of the sur
vey, shall he distributed by the COM
missioners to the educational institu-
tions in such manner as to be of the
greatest advantage to the educational
interests of the state; or II deemed
advisable, the whole or part of such
materials shall be put on permanent
exhibition.
That the sum Of $4,000 annually,
for the years 1897 and 1898, or so
much thereof as may be necessary
is hereby appropriated out of the
funds Of the treasury, not otherwise
appropriated, for the purpose Of carry
ing out the provisions of this act.