, 1899-09-21
THURSDAY. SEPT. 81, 1899.
FOREST PRESERVATION.

The subject of the preservation of our
forests Is one that should appeal very
strongly TO every person who has the
best interest OF the country at heart. 1t
should, for that reason, be approached
without bias or prejudice and be discus
sed from the standpoint of the greatest
good to the greatest number. 1t will be
admitted by every one that whatever
tends to the destruction of the immense
forests on our mountain ranges, whether
1T be fire or what not, should be check
ed. From all that We can gather on
this subject and from all that can be
learned from conservative sources, like
that of the letter of James Douglas to
the Rawlins Republican, which we re-
print, we are inclined to the belief that
our forests are in serious danger from an
entirely unlocked for source, that Of the
destruction of the dense growth of IN
derbrush. weeds and grass, that act as a
spoIge in holding back the melting
SHOWS and heavy rains from running off
rapidly. thus furnishing water for irri-
CATION purposes. If this natural protec-
ton is withdrawn our entire agricultur-
al interest is in danger, and it is well
that this matter is being discussed with
h view Of arriving at correct conclus-
ions.
1t is often that we find individual in
terests running counter to that of public
safety, and it is then that public inter
alf 1nmpn1G that tho individual 1hall
give way and abstain from anything
which ieoperdizes the good of the people.
If any one had said, "A few years ago,that
the grazing OF sheep in our forests would
endanger the farming interests Of the
country, his fears would nave been con.
sidered chimerical, and but little atten-
ton paid to it. But now the matter has
assumed a serious aspect. II, as Mr..
Douglas. who is a learned and couseIva-
tive mar whose word carries weight where
ever it goes-and whose testimony is
supported by the experience and obser.
walton Of many men IN this valley-the
grazing Of sheep destroys and dries up
the springs, the weeds. grass, and bush
es, which hold the water from melting
SHOWS and from rainfall. then any one
can see at a glance that it il but a ques-
ton of u few years when water for irri-
CATION purposes will be exceedingly
scarce at just the time when most need
ed. 1t also fortells another danger
that of spring floods in our mountain
streams and OF sudden and dangerous
floods from mountain rains, when the
natural restraints TO its rapid decent
the weeds, bushes and grass-have beer
removed and it allowed to flow down, an
unimpeded torrent.
TIE Sun has given place to two or
three letters on this subject from the
pen of |. NJ Connes1, which have been
widely copied and commented on, some
times favoribly, sometimes adversely. the
subject being handled entirely from the
standpoint Of the interest of the person
speaking or writing. These letters from
Mr.. CONFESS have been supplemented by
the private assurances and attestatIons
OF numerous OF our citizens who have
their " experience TO guide and con
vince them in this matter.
THE Sun invites correspondence from
sheepmen showing their side OF the
question, assuring them of fair and just
treatment.
We shall view the outcome OF this
matter with considerable interest. feel
ing assured that the good sense and
good Judgement of our people will pre-
vent any acrimony from entering into
the discussion of this subject or preju-
dice the hnal outcome of u matter of
such vital public interest.