New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-02
THE NATIONAL FOREST PRESERVES.

One of the many Senate amendments 10 The
Sundry Civil bill provides for the restoration 10
the public domain of the tracts of land contain
ing more than 81 100000 acres which the Pres
idcnt added TO the National forest preserves by
nroclamatlon OF February 30. Embodying that
unfortunate reversal of far-reaching Execu-
five act in furtheranCe of n Salutary policy. the
bill went back 10 the House and yesterday was
sent 10 conference. In the closing hours OF
session there is always danger that important
interests will be sacrificed TO the necessity or
pushing through the appropriation bills This
is such case and 1t cannot he denied that the
opposition to this great enlargement of the forest
preserves from whatever source and motive it
may proceed. is not unlikely 10 prevail. We OBJ
serve however that the House Committee on
Public Lands is ready TO report resolution call
ing upon the Secretary of the Interior for in
formation relating TO the whole subject. so that
n may be hoped that the House will be prepared
TO act n,egently. and accordingly to insist
upon the rejection Of the Senate amendment
II should be remembered that the Presidents
proclamation does not express a hasty Judgment
based upon scant knowledge. 1t follows The
recommendations of the admirably equipped
committee selected by the National Academy Of
Sciences. which has traversed the territory I'M
der discussion and made a careful investigation
of all the facts and conditions involved. II is
not new power which the President has just
exercised 1t is derived from the Act Of March
2 1921 and il was employed by President Har
rlson to withdraw from sale in similar man
ner and for similar ends about 1S.000.00O acres
Of forested lands The result Of that procedure
oioI nd $50 II bos in
surcd so far as its operation extends. last
ing timber supply, protected the headwaters OF
streams. and incidentally preserved scenery and
game in regions where both were exposed TO I'M
profitable ravage. The proclamation now in
controversy would accomplish the same objects
10 an even greater extent Ii threatens nobody $
rights. but ON the contrary, Is designed and
adapted TO defend universal interests. If the
oppositlon proceeds from persons claiming that
their privileges and welfare are attacked, 1t is
truc and pertinent to reply that they are them
s.,ves trespassers. Under existing laws en-
franco upon the reserves and occupation Of them
as for timber cutting and mining, are illegal
ANY nlea OF loss must be an acknowledgment
OF depreciation.
II should be remarked, however, that the pol
cv of forest preservation as promoted by Gen
err, Harrison and Mr.. Cleyelanl does not con
template unnecessary rigor in the treatment OF
individuals. The ultimate purpose OF the com
h,ssion and the greater part OF its task. is the
accumulation Of permanent forest service
which when Congress shall have adopted II will
not only safeguard the vast interests dependent
upon the preservation OF the water supply bni
NJ the same time guarantee TO all who need Il
an unfailng supply Of timber, as well as access
under suitable conditions to mineral deposits