The Minneapolis journal., 1903-12-07

The attention of the congress is es-
pecially directed to the timber and
stone law, the desert land law. and
the communication clause of the home
stead law, which in their operation
have in many respects conficted
with wise public land policy. The
discussions in the congress and else
where have made it evident that there
is a wide divergence OF opinions be-
tween those holding opposite views on.
these SUBJECTS; and that the opposing
sides have strong and convinced rep
resentatives Of weight both within and
without the congress; the differences
being not only as to matters OF Opln-
ion but as to matters of fact.
In order that definite information
may be available for the use of the.
congress, I have appointed commits
sion composed of w. A. Richards,
commissioner of the general land Of
fee: Clifford Pinchot, chief of the
bureau of forestry Of the department
of agriculture, and F. H. Newell, chief
photographer Of the geological suras
vey, to report at the earliest practi-
cable moment upon the condition,
operation, and effect of the present
disposal and settlement of the pub
lie lands. The commission will re-
port especially what changes in or
ganization, laws, regulations, and
practice affecting the public lands are
needed to effect the largest practicable
actual settlers who will build per-
1nanent homes upon them, and to
secure in permanence the. fullest
and most effective use of the re-
sources of the public lands; and 1t will
make such other reports and recon-
1uendations as it's study of these ques-
tions may suggest. The cOmm1s-
sion is to report Immediately upon
those points concerning which it's
Judgment is clear: on any point upon
which it has doubt it Will take the
time necessary to make investigation
and reach a final Judgment.
Reclamation Work.
The work of reclamation of the arid
lands of the west Is progressing stead
lily and satisfactorily under the terms
of the law setting aside the proceeds
from the disposal Of public lands. The
corps Of engineers known as the recla-
nation service. which is conducting
the surveys and examinations, has
been thoroly organized, especial pains
being. taken to secure under the civil
4. service rules body. of skilled, expert
enced and efficient men. Surveys and
examinations are progressing thruOut
the arid states and territories, plans
for reclaiming works being prepared
and passed upon by boards of engineers
before approval by the secretary of the
interior. In Arizona and Nevada, in
localities where such work is pre-em-
inently needed, construction has al
ready been begun. In other parts OF
the arid west various projects are well
advanced towards the drawing up OF
contracts. these being delayed in part
by necessities of reaching agreements
or understanding as regards rights OF
way or acquisition Of real estate. Most
of the works contemplated for con.
struction are of national Importance
involving interstate questions or the
securing of stable, self-supportine
communities in the midst of vas
tracts Of vacant land The nation az
a whole is of course the gamer by the
creation Of these homes. adding a:
they do to the wealth and stability Of
the country, and furnishing a home
market for the products of the cas-
and south. The reclamation law
while perhaps not ideal, appears a
which it is designed. Further legis
lation is not recommended until the
necessities of change are more appar
ent. .,. ~
Preservation of Forests.
The study Of the opportunities OF
n reclamation of the vast extent Of arit
land shows that whether this reclaim
alton is done by individuals, corpora
tions. or the state, the source of water
supply must be effectively protected
and the reservoirs guarded by tn,
preservation Of the forests at thu
headwaters of the streams. The en-
gineers making the preliminary ex
aminations continually emphasize thi
need and urge that the remaining
public lands at the headwaters of tn,
important streams Of the west be re
served to insure permanency Of waite
supply for irrigation. Much progres
ia forestry has been made during tn
past year. The necessity for perpet
uating our forest resources, whetle
in public or private hands, is recog
nized now as never before. The de
insistent In the west, because the ives
must use the water. wood and sum
rner range which only such reserve
can supply. Progressive lun nberme
are striving, thru forestry, to Civ
their business permanence. Othe
great business interests are awaken
ing to the need Of forest preservation
as business matter. The govern
ment's forest work should receiv
from congress hearty support, an
especially support adequate for tn
protection of the forest reserve
against fire. The forest reserve pol
Icy Of the government has passed be
yond the experimental stage and lla
reached a condition where scientifi
methods are essential to it's success
full prosecution. The administrative
features of forest reserves are at pre-
ent unsatisfactory, being divided be
tween three bureaus of two depart
ments. It is therefore recommends