Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-08

interior. In Arizona and Nevada, in 10
calities where such work is pre-emi
nently needed, construction has already
been begun. In other parts of the arii
west various projects are we'll advanced
toward the drawing up of contracts
these being delayed in part by necessi
ties Of reaching agreements or under
standing as regards rights Of way OF
acquisition Of real estate. Most of thu
works contemplated for construction
are of national Importance. involving
interstate questions or the securing Of
stable. self supporting communities II
the midst of vast tracts of vacant land
The nation as whole is Of course the
gamer by the creation of these homes
adding as they do to the wealth anG
stability of the country and furnishing
home market for the products of the
east and south. The reclamation law
while perhaps not ideal. appears al
present to answer the larger needs fol
which it is designed. Further legisla
ton is not recommended until the ne
cessities of change are more apparent
Preservation Of Forests.
The study of the opportunities OF
reclamation of the vast extent of arid
land shows that whether this reclama
ton is done by individuals. corpora
tons or the state, the sources of wa
ter supply must be effectively protect
ed and the reservoirs guarded by the
preservation Of the forests at the head
waters Of the streams. The engineers
making the preliminary examinations
continually emphasize this need and
urge that the remaining public lands
at the headwaters Of the important
streams of the west be reserved to in
sure permanency of water supply fol
irrigation. Much progress in forestry
has been made during the past year
The necessity for perpetuating our for
est resources, whether in public cI
private hands, is recognized now as
never before.
The demand for forest reserves has
become insistent in the west because
the west must use the water. wood and
summer range which only such re
serves can supply. Progressive lun-
bermen are striving through forestry
to give their business pcrmanence. 9th
er great business interests are awaken
ing to the need of forest preservation
as business matter. The govern
mcnt's forest work should receive from
the congress hearty support and espe-
cially support adequate for the protec-
ton of the forest reserves against fire
The forest reserve policy Of the gov
eminent has passed beyond the expert
mental stage and has reached a condi-
ton where scientific methods are es-
sential to it's successful prosecution.
The administrative features of forest
reserves are at present unsatisfactory.
being divided between three bureaus Of
two departments. 1t is therefore rec
commended that all matters pertaining
to forest reserves, except those involy-
ing or pertaining to land titles. be con-
soldated in the bureau of forestry Of
the department of agriculture.
The cotton growing states have re-
Gently been invaded by weevil that
has done much damage and threatens
the entire cotton industry. / suggest
to the congress the prompt enactment
of such remedial legislation as it's judg
ment may approve.
In granting patents to foreigners the
proper course for this country to follow
is to give the same advantages to for
eigners here that the countries in which
these foreigners dwell extend in return
to our citiZens-that is, to extend the
benefits of our patent laws on inven-
tons and the like where in return the
articles would be patentable in the for
eign countries concerned, where an
American could get a corresponding
patent in such countries.
Indian Affairs.
The Indian agents should not be de-
pendent for their appointment or ten
urc of office upon considerations of par
tisan politics. The practice Of appoint
ing when possible eX-army officers OF
bonded superintendent to the vacan
cies that occur is working we'll AT
tention is invited to the widespread il
litcracy due to lack of public schools in
the Indian Territory. Prompt heed
should be paid TO the need Of education
for the children in this territory.
In my last annual message the at
tention of the congress was called to the
necessity OF charging the safety appli-
ance law, and it is gratifying to note
that this law was amended in impor-
tant respects. With the increasing rail-
way mileage OF the country. the greater
number OF men employed and the use
Of larger and heavier equipment the
urgency for renewed effort to prevent
the loss of life and limb upon the rail-
roads of the country. particularly to
employees. is apparent. For the in
spection Of water craft and the life saw
ing service upon the water the con-
gress has built up an elaborate body
of protective legislation and thorough
method of inspection and is annually
spending large sums of money. 1t is
encouraging to observe that the con-
gress is alive to the interests of those
who are employed upon our wonder
ful ortnrtos re oorn,ooron tro