Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-02
TO SURVEY VIRGINIA,
GEOLOGICAL Dept ASKS COVER
NOR For NECESSARY LEGISLATION.
THEIR OPERATIONS Numbered.
In iividun1s Have Distracted Prose-
cution of Field Wor;z-Act Asked
Similar to These Passed In Many
other States.

Governor Montague has received COM
ntunlcatlon from II. c. Riler. acting
director of the United States Geological
Survey Washington requesting him to
have the Legislature enact law giving
the members of the United States Geolo-
gical Survey the right to enter upon the
lands within the boundaries Of the Sta.e
OF Virginia for the purpose of making
surveys
Mr.. Rizer's request was endorsed favor
ably by Thomas Ryan, acting Secretary Of
the Interior, who urged the necessity for
the virginia Legislature to provide better
facilities for the carrying on of the scien-
uf1c and engineering work of the Geolo-
sical Survey in the State OF Virginia. The
matter was presented by the Governor to
Speaker Ryan of the House, and Lieuten-
ant-Governor Willard, presiding office,
Of the Senate, with the request that it be
referred to the proper committees.
1T seems that in some sections of the
State owners of property have refused to
permit the surveying corps to enter upon
their property, and their work has been
materially lampcred by these refusals.
great many States have passed spe-
cial acts to assist the Geological Survey
in its endeavors and Virginia is request
ed to do the same
DIFFICULTY OF THE CORPS.
The following letter from Acting Direct
or RIzer to Governor Montague sets forth
the difficulties that the corps has encour-
tered. and adds some suggestions as to
the nature of the legislation provided by
other States to meet the trouble:
His EXceliency, a. j. Montague,
Governor of Virginia, Richmond. Va.
Sir.-From time to time the employees
of the United States Geological Survey
have been embarrass ed in the prosecution
OF tieir field surveys by individuals re-
fusing to permit them to enter upon their
property. With view to obviating this
difficulty, I have the honor to recommend
that you submit to the next session of
your Legislature an act similar to the
one hereinafter cited.
am sure that a compliance with this
request by your Legislature will be in the
interests Of your State. in that it will en-
able the Geological Survey to carry on
most conveniently its important scientific
and engineering work
MANY STATES PASSED ACTS
Acts similar to the following have been
passed by the legislatures of New York
Ohio Pennsylvania, and Maine. and, by
a large number of States. similar acts
have been passed in the interests Of the
United States Coast and Geodetic Survey:
An act authorizing any person employ
ed under and by virtue of an act of Con-
SieSS VI t!e oIlteu oldteS relating 10 tne
surveys Of the Geological Survey of the
United States.
For the purpose of making the surveys
required of the Federal Geological Su>~
vey by acts of the United States Con-
gress. It shall be lawful for the persons
employed in making the same to enter
| upon the lands within the boundaries of
this State. but this act shall not be con-
strued as authorizing any unnecessary In
reference with private rights.
The Legislature will be asked to make
some such provision for the survey in this
State.