The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-12-08


the communication clause of the homestead
law, which in their operation have in
many respects confiicted with wise pub
iceland policy. The discussions in the
Congress and elsewhere have made it evil
dent that there is a wide divergence of
opinions between those holding opposite
views on these subjects; and that the
opposing sides have strong and convinced
representatives of weight both within
and without the Congress- the differences
being not only as to matters of opinion
but as to matters of fact. In order that
definite information may be available for
the use of the Congress- l have appointed
a commission composed of w. A. Richards,
Commissioner of the General Land Office
Clifford Pinchot Chief of the Bureau of
Forestry of the Department of Agricul
ture, and F. H Newell Chief Hydro
grapher of the Geological Survey, to re-
port at the earliest practicable moment
upon the condition, operatin, and effect
of the present land laws and on the USE
condition, disposal and settlement of the
public lands. The commission will report
especially what changes in organization,
laws, regulations, and practice affecting
the public lands are needed to effect the
largest practicable disposition of the pub
| lie lands to actual settlers who will build
permanent homes upon them, and to Sc
secure in permanence the fullest and most
effective use of the resources of the pub
lie lands; and it will make such other
reports and recommendations as its study
Of these questions may suggest. The com
mission is to report Immediately upon
those points concerning which it's judg-
ment is clear; on any point upon which
- 4o1-o he
sary to make and reach final judgment.
IRRIGATION.
The work of reclamation of the arid
| lands of the west is progressing steadily
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 Reclamation Ser
vice which is conducting the surveys and
examinations, has been thoroughly organ
lied, especially pains being taken to Sc
cure under the civil service rules body
of skilled. experienced, and efficient men.
Surveys and examinations are progressing
throughout the arid States and Territories,
plans for retaining works being prepared
and passed upon by boards of engineers
before approval by the Secretary of the
Interior In Arizona and Nevada, in local
tiles where such work is pre-eminently
needed, construction has already been be-
gun In other parts of the west various
projects are well advanced towards the
drawing up of contracts, these being
| delayed in part by necessities of reach
| ing agreements or understanding as re-
| CARDS rights of way or acquisition of real
| estate. Most of the works contemplated
| for construction are of national impor-
| ance involving interstate questions or
| the securing of stable self-suGporting COM
munities in the midst of vast tracts of
vacant land. The nation as a whole Is of
| course the gamer by the creation OF these
homes, adding as they do to the wealth
and stability of the country, and furnish
ing a home market for the products OF
the east and south The reclamation law,
while perhaps not ideal appears at pres
ent to answerathe larger needs for which
it is designed. Further legislation is not
recommended until the necessities of
change are more apparent
PRESERVATION OF FORESTS.
The study of the opportunities of re-
clamation of the vast extent of arid land
shows that whether this reclamation is
lone by individuals, corporations, or the
State, the sources of water supply must
he effectively protected and the reservoirs
guarded by the preservation of the for
ests at the headwaters af the streams,
The engineers making the preliminary ex-
amnations 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 for ir
rigation. Much progress in forestry has
been made during the past year. The
|
sources, whether in public or private
hands, is recognized now as never be
fore 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 reserves
can supply Progressive lumber1nen are
striving through forestry, to give then
business permanence. Other great business
interests are awakening to the need OF
forest preservation as a business matter.
The government forest work should re
ceive from the Congress hearty support,
and especially support adequate for the
protection of the forest reserves against
fire. The forest reserve policy of the
government has passed beyond the eX
cerimental stage and has reached a con-
dition where scientific methods are essen
tial to it's successful prosecution. The
administrative features of forest reserves
are at present unsatisfactory, being di-
ylded between three Bureaus of two De
partments. 1t is therefore recommended
that all matters pertaining to forest re-
serves, except those involving or pertain
,ng to land titles, be consolidated IN the
Bureau of Forestry of the Department
Of Agriculture.
COTTON WEEVIL.
che cotton growing states have recently
been invaded by a weevil that has done
much damage and threatens the entire
cotton industry. l suggest to the Congress
he prompt enactment of such remedial
legislation as its judgment may approve.
PATENTS TO FOREIGNERS.
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
.hese foreigners dwell extend in return
to our citizens; that is, to extend the
benefits of our patent laws on inventions
and the like where in return the articles
would be patentabe in the foreign coun-