The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-10-02
He FAV0RS EXPANSION
Urges the Enlargement of the
National Park.
TWICE ITS PRESENT SIZE
Il Will Cut on the South Half OF Gala
tin County-The Opposition From
Wyoming Is Gradually
Disappearing.


w ~
No. HAS q street y. w.
Washington, ID. c.. Sept. 2s.-The
commissioner Of the land Office. in his
annual report to Secretary Bliss. will
commit himself in favor Of the expan-
sion of the Yellowstone national park
to about twice its present size. There
has heretofore appeared in this corre-
spondence an extended description and
map Of the proposed boundaries of this
national preserve. The enlarged park,
as favored by Commissioner Hermann,
takes in the south half of Gallatin
county. n also absorbs a tract in
Idaho something smaller than the Dis
trict Of Columbia. But the principal
additions to the park are in Wyoming.
During the preliminary discussion of
this expansion project 1t appeared
probable tina: there would be so much
opposition to IL on the part of sena-
tors from the states most interested
that its defeat would be certain. But
there are many existing evidences of a
change of heart on the part OF a num-
Der of the senator's and members from
the mountain states bordering on the
park. This is especially true of the
Wyoming delegation, which was bitter
~ cSN ~ III III Whth II was uIrl
presented by Senatr Hansbrough.
This change OF opinion is aid TO be
largely due to the influence OF some
leading local politicians who live inside
the limits OF the extended park. These
men are DESTROYS of having the park
extended because OF the opportunities
that will he presented for money-mak-
as guides, hotel n
keepers n common carriers. AS the
proposition to mountain-stats
territory in vast fores. reserves of
every description has always been
popular among Eastern senator's and
Representatives, ii is easy to predict the
passage Of the park expansion bill. IL
Wyoming opposition collapses, as there
is a possibility It may.
The park now contains about 300
miles, and II the proposed addi-
tion is made it's size will be doubled.
II is the opinion Of Mr.. Hermann that
the domain Of the park could be in
creased with advantage, as il would in
sure the close supervision of the United
states army over the entire region, al
is the case with the park to-day.
Owing To the fac: that here is what
is called the continental divide, and
the Missouri and other rivers have
their origin here, the preservation Of
the forests assume great Importance.
In Mr.. Hermann's opinion. The protec-
80 ~ III 'AAlFl udlktIE NnAtu
menace the life Of the trees would be, u
is thought, more complete under the
proposed conditions. Then again. the
steadily dwindling herd of buffaloes in
the park range beyond its bounds
through this country, and when the
animals get outside they can be shot
without violation Of law. But II this
territory be made a part Of the park
then the roaming grounds Of the buff
falo would be protected. There are
other reasons which influence the com
i'm making this recommended
ton and they will be duly set forth
m his forthcoming annual report.
Mr.. Hermann expresses himself as
being highly pleased with the manner
reserves Is being carried out. The work
i"nauguratcd, he says, rather late,
owing TO the fact that the appropria-
ton did not become available until July
n this rear. He believes, however.
the force Of rangers now in charge
u the various forest reserves will be
able 20 do effective work in protect
ing the forests from the ravages Of FIRE
md from other dangers.
He has noticed a decided change iu
The public opinion i'm the West In re-
10 the forest reserve law. and
now that IL is understood the purpose
lf the law Is 10 protect the water sup
ply anu NhA 10 interfere with mining
rights and the rights OF settlers. the
sentiment Of the west Is strongly I'm
.ayor Of the law and the setting apart
If additional reserves.
There is no foundation for the report
Secretary OF Wal A1ger is about
20 resign. Notwithstanding all the
scandals connected with his administ-a-
ion of the war department he will
1raEo % out The Evening Star saws:
Cabinet officials rIdicuIo the story.
They say that Secretary AIger Is not
De man Oh offer his resignation while I
ina1r fire. He would prefer 90 remain
mill ara Investigation OF charges.
"It is said tina. ~ Secretary AIrpr
yer said anything 90 the president on
he subject DO was To- the effect that u
I" had become embarrassing On anv
way be- was ready 90 7toD down and
.ul Every cabinet official has az some
.w" ur other iut.matad this 10 the
president. Secretary Gage did so last
."ar. when there MAS difference Of
between himself and certain
members Of congress"
HoEEnnn