The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-04
CHANGE LAND DISTRICTS.
REPRESENTATIVE JONES CONFERs
WITH LAND COMMISSIONER
Asks That Part of Waterville Dis
trict Ne Transferred to North
Yakima once, for Convenience of
Locators--Foster Graxing Land Htll

Special Dispatch TO the Post-Intelligencer
WASHINGTON, jan a-Congressman
Jones called the attention OF Commission
err Hermann, of the general land office, to
the desrability Of taking q part OF the
Waterville land district and adding 1t to
the North Yakima land district The area
which 1t IL proposed to change from one
district to the other includes townships Il
and % north OF ranges II, 10, Is, IA, Is, 10,
II and is east, Willamette meridian. The
northern boundary line of North Yakima
Is along the fifth standard parallel, be-
tween townships 20 and q north.
Mr.. Jones. In his interview with the
commissioner, impressed forcibly upon the
latter the fact that the territory proposed
to be transferred to the Yakima district
is now the scene OF very active mining
operations. and In order that parties may
them to go to Waterville. This journey
ali Of them are roundabout. They must
take either the Northern Pacific railroad
and go to Spokane thence coming abck,
civ ana .na ssne about forts es to %
ervi1le; or they must take the Northern
Pacific to Seattle. thence over the Great
fMsys q fS ss srd n ro s
Is overland direct. distance OF seventy
five to 100 miles. The first two routes make
the distance Travelled from 800 to 400 miles.
one, being over high mountains. and In the
winter time It is all but impossible. BY
the first route the locaor passes through
North Yakima. where land Office Is To-
Gated.
Hence It is easy to see that II these
townships are placed In the North Yaki-
journey of from one to twelve miles to the
railroad. and thence direct to North Yak
lima. The trip to the land Office could then
be made in two days, saving much time
and eynenae
Representative Jones impressed upon the
commissioner his personal ACQUAINTANCE
the S bs Of the ana ma
view. that the necessity of the change
should be apparent to any one cognizant
Of the facts He also gave the commis-
land office at North Yakima. Walter J.
Reed, setting forth In strong terms the
facts above stated Representative Jones
edge, stating that he has for several
years lived at Gle Elum, which is about
Ave miles south Of the proposed territory
trict, and is thoroughly familiar with all
the circumstances and conditions of the
Priest River Reserve.
Mr.. Jones also brought to the attention
Of the commissioner the protest OF the
Spokane Chamber of Commerce against
the extension Of the Priest river forest re-
serve, and urged that the department de-
lay action in the matter, so as to give the
chamber time to file its remonstrance
against this extension.
1t is. probable the commissioner will
grant Mr.. Jones his request, as he seema
to be very friendly toward the Washing
ton representative. and willing to do all
he can to further the interests OF the state.
For Leasing Grazing Lands.
Senator Fosters bill for leasing public
grazing lands to produce revenue for agri-
cultural development will result in the col
lection of at least So, 100000 annually in
grazing land fees. Following is the text
of the bill:
"section l. That such of the vacant pub
lie lands west of the ninety-ninth meridian
of longitude, west from Greenwich, as in
ture. are more valuable for grazing than
for other uses. shall be subject to lease for
Sec: q. The secretary. of agriculture
shall furnish to the secretary of the inter-
Tor, from time to time, lists Of the lands
that are to be leased under the provisions
Of this act. designating in such lists the
lands that are to be included in each sepa-
rate lease. and the minimum rental per
acre for the area to be included In each
lease. and upon the receipt OF such lists the
secretary OF the interior shall instruct the
proceed to lease such lands in accordance
with the provisions Of this act.
Sec. 8. After lands shall have been
shall not be open for filing or entry under
any of the land laws OF the United States
while such lease exist, excepting as min
erai lands, and whenever lease lands are
entered as mineral lands under the land
laws of the United States, they shall be
cancelled from the lease and proper adjust
ment made of the rental by the secretary
of the interior.
sec. L. That the money derived from
rentals shall he covered into the treasury of
the United States. and one-half the gross
amount collected in each state shall be
paid to the treasurer of that state to be
used for irrigation and other agricultural
developments In such way as its legislature
may direct.
''Sec. s. The rate OF rental In no case
shall be less than 1 cent per acre per an
mum: the amount of annual rental in any
one lease shall not be less than $40; and no
Lease shall be made for longer period than
ten years; provided that any lease may be
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