Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1903-06-11
RESERVE WAS DISCUSSED
Board of Trade Meets Govern
ment Agent Friday Evening


A-meeting of the board Of trade and
citizens was held in the city hall Fri
day evening to talk over the forest re-
serve matter with II. d. Langell, of
the u. 5. Bureau of Forestry, who had
arrived here to examine the lands in
oluded within the proposed reserve.
Mr.. Langell was accompanied also by
Mr.. Cox, who has charge of the field
work. Mr. Langell very kindly con-
sented - delay his departure from
town in order to meet the citizens and
hear what they had to say on the sub
ject.
The meeting was called to order by
President r. Thomas who stated its
object and introduced Mr.. Langell
that he might explain the object of
the reserve and its effects on tho sew
eral lines of industry.
Mr.. Langell said that he had come
to listen rather than to talk. He
realized that it was a matter in which
the people were intensely interested
but thought that much of the objection
might be the result of misunderstand-
ing. There are two reasons for the
creation of reserves; one for consorva-
tion of the water supply and the other
to protect the growing timber. There
had been great rush for timber land
on this coast and there is very littlo
good timber land left, 1t is time,
therefore, for Uncle Sam to take up
few ranches for himself Where forest
reserves have been created, it has been
demonstrated TO the people and to
lumbermen as we'll that the policy is
wise. The creation in no way affects
the location and operation of mines.
The timber may be used ON the claims
and patent to the property may be Sc
cured The prospector has free use of
the timber The mining companies
are expected TO buy their timber land.
When they wish to do so, they give 30
days notice, the land is appraised and
the sale advertised. The land is then
sold to the highest bidder. There is
no graft in the reserve proposition but
the forest removement all over the
country is a grand forward step. This
reserve was proposed in 1898 but was
pigeon-holed by Commissi oner Her.
mann.
In answer to questions by Mr. Hough,
Mr. Langell stated that settlers with.
in the reserve might either retain
their holdings or exchange for other
lands or for scrip In regard to the
lands of the Southern Pacific company,
he was unable to state positively, but
thought the lands would be exchanged.
Mr.. Hough said that the effect of
this would be to withdraw these lands
from taxation. The county is some
$50 600 in debt. II these lands are
withdrawn from taxation, bankruptcy
will ensue. The outlook for Curry
county is even worse, At present this
county is doing big lumber business
with a number of little saw mills aud
that the effect of the reserve would be
to kill this industry. The reserve isa
runious proposition and would stop
emigration and progress generally.
Judge J. o. Booth supported the re-
marks Of Mr. Hough. He was con
WINGED that the reserve would retard
progress.
h. l.. Coo spoke of the rapid growth
of the timber in this country and how
the younger growth where the mature
timber had been cut Off served the Oh.
iect of the reserve better than the old
growth which was constantly dying
and making fuel for destructive fires.
A.E. Carlson, speaking for the min
ers, said their opposition to the move
mont is nearly unanimous.
II. G. Kinney said that to destroy
the lumber industry would bo to
smother all lines Of business The
young growth was amply sufficient for
all the purposes Of the reserve and
that much Of the area under consider
alton was inaccessible; reserved by
nature and further reservation not
needed.
Brief speeches to similar effect were
made by j. II. Williams, Joseph Moss
and others Nearly every one took
part in the discussion and the adverse
Opinions were expressed without re-.
serve II WAS stated that we have a
hard enough time to etalong as it is;
dlat Uncle Sam, If he intcrforos at ALL
should give u.s. lift rather than 10
pile additional burdens upon as. Mr.
Langcll from time to time intcrposed
questions and suggestions from the
governments point Of view. The
meeting was long aud at the close, on
motion of i. W. Chausse, "a vote Of
thanks was extended TO Mr. Langell
for his kindness in meeting with the
Icitizcus aud listening to thoir state.
ments. Mr.. Langcn advised that the
remonst1ances be held until he was
ready to submit his report when he
would include them herewith on
motion Of r. W. Clark, the suggestion
was adopted The meeting was then
adjourned
THE GOPHER QUARTZ NINE
VelUable Property OF Jump off
Joe District