New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-03
THE ACKNOWLEDGES BILL.

Governor Blacks earnest desire TO signalize
his administration by efficient action on large
scale for the preservation Of the Adirondack for
ests does him credit AS his first message TO the
Legislature showed this is subject with which
he has taken care to familiarize himself in years
past, and his zeal is due to personal knowledge
of the North Woods and a keen realization OF the
relations which they sustain to the general well
fare of the State There can be no doubt that
public opinion concerning this matter is far more
enlightened than 1t was even comparatively
short time ago. The agitation, which has not yet
produced the practical results which should have
followed so earnest and intelligent course OF
instruction. has nevertheless been exceedingly
useful in dispelllng the illusion that the creation
of large forest preserve is an unwarranted IN
reference with private rights and as needless as
it is costly. Nobody believes that now; least OF
all, perhaps, those who for selfish reasons are
eager to delay the work of protection. But IL
must be confessed that public discussion, legis-
lative debates and forest commissions have not
as yet availed TO prevent continuous injury or TO
add very largely to the protected area The ques-
ton of expense has been the chief obstacle of
late in the way of forest preservation. as it has
been in the way Of road Improvement
The bill which Senator Ellsworth has intro
duced has the Governors approval and is vr-
tually the Governors bill 1t provides for the ap-
pointment Of n Fores: Preserve Board OF three
members, selected from the Fisheries Game and
Forest and the Land Office commissions, which
Is to have ample power for the efficient execution
of its duties. A short method for the condemna-
ton and acquisition Of such tracts within
the preserve as the Commission may wish
to obtain Is prescribed, and for the purchase
thereof an appropriation Of 100000 Is
made in the bill. This Is a large sum- but
we do not think it Is too large, or that 1t should
be so regarded even in time Of general depres-
sion. Surely State Of enormous resources can
well afford to eXpend at least that amount within
q brief period for the protection of those natural
conditions upon which its wealth very largely de-
ponds That is the real gist Of the matter. Longer
neglect Of the agencies which in great measure
furnish and regulate the water supply OF vast
territory would be criminal. Protracted delay
has already rendered this indispensable under
taking far more costly than it might have been,
and every passing year makes the unavoidable
burden heavier. 1t Is high time to take decisive
action.
we Snail not KNOW WHttntr uc'aHS vi '"O
Governors bill can be advantageously modi-
fed or not until discussion shall have made It's
provisions clear, but as to It's general purpose
and character we entertain no doubt whatever.
It provides the essentials Of rapid progress In the
work Of taking title and a handsome sum of
money to pay for property which the State ought
to own In those respects It is a good BILL and we
hope that it is not Objectionable in any respect.