Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1901-08-01
STOP TIMBER ABUSES.
Fra udulent Acquisitions of Pub
lie Lands TO Come to
an End.

On account Of the timber land irAsa!'
discovered in Montana aud Idaho Com.
missioner Hermann. oithe General Land
Office, has suspended all proofs made
during the present year under the
timber and stone act, pending CON
clusion Of the full Investigation and
inquiry begun some time ago. The sas-
pension applies to all s,aies shete gov
eminent timber land is parrh sed, aud
involves thousands OF cases. Many
large companies and spectators, il l.
alleged, have had ''duu mics a. agents
making purchases of these lands from
the government. Commissioner Her
mann said today;
owing TO the act Of congress permit
Ting seiec,ions Of valuable timber lands,
as IN lemnity for lands held by in.
diyiduals and corporations within
iotesl reserves, speculation in so-cSlec
forest reserve scrip has developed. This
Z is a means by which Tie owner Of such
lands within forest reserves may re-
linquish them to the government and
in lieu thereof take valuable lands out
Of the unappropriated public domain, CT
may convey his holdings to another per
son seeking to exercise the right OF
sslerlion
This provision has produced gr, al
rivalry among speculators and extensive
mining companies in the requirements
OF large tracts Of timber lands. 1t has
induced many others. who are not
owners OF such scrip or exchangeable
lands inside forest reserves, to avail them
selves Of an earlier act Of congress, az
proved June 3, 1873, Known as the
timber ard stone act
This limits each purchase, to l6C
aeiesani expressly requires the apnli-
cant TO swear tt at tho purchase is not
speculative, but Is made in good faith
for his own exclusive use, aud that he
mas made no agreement whatsoever with
any person for transfer Of his title.
For many years, particularly the
past year, this law has been grossly
violated and abused by persons who
perjurt themselves before the local land
Office. The general land Office has
directed its special agents to report on
any further cases that may be discovered
and all land officers have been warned
to exercise the utmost striotness in the
examination Of parties and witnesses
Many Of the iraudulent proofs made
must have been detected at the time
had the registrars and officers at local
land Offices strictly app:ed the rule:
Tor scrutiny of proofs Of applicants.
After such proofs have passed the local
officers, Showing regularity and app
parent good faith Of entries it is in.
possible for the authorities here io
detect an error or iLaad."-oresonian.
In the Midsummer Fiction number ol
McCiure's Magazine, Clara Morris
whose Recollection Of the Stage and
It's People" has proved such delightful
reading, tells the story Of an actor that
failed-ialel lismally. lie was an un-
derstudy in a leading role in "Mazeppa, -
and when called upon to assume the
part, owing to the tragic death Of the
principal he did not take advantage Of
his opportunities. As the "fery un.
un,amed steej," "Od Bob turned
"Mazeppa" into a roaring farce. Wal
ter NJ. GlacSens's pictures are almost
as amusitg as the text.
Wood wanted on subscription at the
| COURIER office.