The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-03-12
Grazing Bill Probably Dead.


1t is doubtful If any bill providing for
the leasing Of grazing lands VIII be
passed at this session of congress. The
house committee on public lands de-
cided Saturday by an almost unanimous
vote to lay on the table all measures
which had to do with the proposed dis
position Of the public domain. and this
action win probably settle the question
for time at least. The senate may
pass the Foster bill, but 1t Is likely to
receive scant consideration In the house,
and with this feeling of opposition in
the house committee, 1t is not improb-
able that the senate will refuse to take
up the matter in the press of other i'm
portant legislation.
The action of the house committee is
said to have grown out of an ever-in-
creasinS clamor from the West in OPP
position to the bill. The Foster bill,
with some Of its proposed amendments,
was thought to be the least objectiona-
Bile Of all the leasing bills introduced but
even against this there has been
deiuge Of protests, and congressman are
not going to take the responsibility OF
voting for the measure while they are
IN q state of uncertainty az to the real
desires OF their constituents. 1t is evil
IDENTIFY a matter entitled to closer inves-
tigation than was at first supposed, and
there is disposition to look into the
question farther before involving the
government in system of land leas-
ing that might not be generally salts
factory.
So far as the state Of Washington is
concerned. the sentiment seems to have
been against the bill. There was an APP
prehenslon that under Its provisions the
greater part OF the public grazing land
would fall into the hands Of corpora
tons and cattle and sheep kings, thus
bringing disaster to the small grazers.
II was feared that those with larger
means and influence might secure rights
around springs and along watercourses.
and In this way render much of the
surrounding country worthless Agri-
culturists also had doubts "a to the wis
dom OF the bill. many of them believing
that immense tracts would be appropri-
ated for grazing purposes and held out
from settlement for all time. This would
retard growth in agricultural communi-
ties. prevent immigration and take from
would-be home makers land which
ought TO be brought under cultivation.
Until there is thorough Investigation
of the conditions as they exist In the
grazing districts. perhaps II Is Just as
well not 10 be too hasty in legislating
on SO important a matter. II is prob
able that there must be some sort OF
regulation in permitting cattle and
sheep mon TO use the public domain for
their herds and flocks There IL no
doubt that indiscriminate grazing as at
present praotlced Is injurious TO the
land and win IN course Of time render
II yaiueless. II ia good policy to- see
that great areas are not ruined before
II Is toe late. But the determination OF
the plan 70 he followed Is matter for
very serious consideration. and with so
many interests involved II Is only fair
that account be taken Of the rights OF
all parties. ana that an attempt b. made
70 preserve the privileges % both the
large ana the small stoCkman. II is
claimed that this object would not have
been attained under any Of the proposed
leasing bills Under such circumstances
there Is no reason TO regret that the
legislation has failed. The opportunity
VIII he offered for a more careful tn
vestisation Of the grazing question. and
/ out 81 e may grow scheme OF regu-
{ latlon thar viii Re satisfactory 70 all
( persons interested In this highly lmpor-
tant industry.