davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Necessity for Revision of Public Land
Laws.

Experience has shown that in the
western states themselves, as well as
in the rest of the country, there is
widespread conviction that certain OF
the public-land laws and the resulting
administrative practice no longer meet
the present needs. The character and
uses Of the remaining public lands
differ widely from those lands which
congress had especially In view when
these laws were passed. The rapidly
increasing rate of disposal Of the pub
lie lands is not followed by a cores
ponding increase in horne building.
There is tendency to mass in large
holdings public lands. especially timber
and grazing lands. and thereby retard
settlement. renew and emphasize my
recommendations OF last year that so
far as they are available for agricul-
ture in broadcast sense, and to what
ever extent they may be reclaimed
under the national irrigation law. the
remaining public lands should be held
rigidly for the home builder. The at
tention of the congress is especially d.
rected to the timber and stone law
the desert-land law, and the commu
tation clause OF the homestead law,
which in their operation have IN many
respects conficted with wise public
land policy. The discussions in the
congress and elsewhere have made IL
evident that there Is a wide diver
gence between those holding opposite
views on these subjects, and that the
opposing sides have strong and con-
WINGED representatives of weight both
within and without congress; the diff
ferences being net 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 con-
gress. I have appointed a commission
composed of w. A. Richards, commits
sioner OF the general land office; Gift
ford Pinchot chief of the bureau OF
forestry of the department of agricul-
ture. and F. II. Newell. chief hydro
grapher OF the Geological SURVEY, to
report at the earliest practicable mo-
ment upon the condition, operation,
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, regula-
tions and practice affecting the public
lands are needed TO effect the largest
practicable disposition of the public
lands to actual settlers who will build
permanent hcmes upon them, and to
secure in permanence the fullest and
most effective use OF the resources of
the public lands; and it will make such
other reports and recommendations as
its study of these questions may sug-
gest. The commission is to report inn
mediatelY upon those points concern
ing which MS judgment is clear; on
any point upon which it has doubt il
will take the time necessary to make
investiga ton and reach a final judg
ment.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Preservation of Forests.

The study of the opportunities of re-
clamatiOn of the vast extent of arid
land shows that whether this reclama-
ton is done by individuals, corpora
tions. or the state, the sources of water
supply must be effectively protected
and the reservoirs guarded by the
preservation of forests at the head of
the streams. The engineers making
the preliminary examination continu-
ally emphasize this need and urge
that the remaining public lands at
the head waters of the important
streams of the west be reserved to
Insure permanency of water supply
for irrigation. Much progress in for
estry has been made during the past
year. The necessity for perpetuating
our forest resources. whether in public
or 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 reserves can supply. Pro-
sressive lumbermen are striving,
through forestry to give their bust
ness permanence.. Other great busi-
ness interests are awakening to the
need of forest preservation as bust
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
The Army.

The effect of the laws providing a
general staff for the army and for the
more effective use of the national
guard has been excellent Great i'm
provement have been made in the eff
cheney of our army in recent years.
Such schools as those erected at Fort
Leavenworth and Fort Riley and the
institution OF fall maneuver work ac-
complish satisfactory results. The
good effect of these maneuvers upon
the guard is marked and
ample appropriation should be made to
enable the guardsmen OF the several
states TO share in the benefit. The
government should as soon as possible
secure permanent camp sites for mill
tary maneuvers in the various sec
tions of the country. The service
thereby rendered not only to the regu-
lar army, but to the national guard Of
the several states, will be so great as
to repay many times over the relative
ly small expense. We should not rest
satisfied with what has been done.
however. The only people who are
contented with a system OF promo
ton by mere seniority are those who
are contented with the triumph Of
mediCcrity over excellence. On the
other hand a system which encourag-
ed the exercise of social or political
favoritism in promotions would be
even worse. But II would surely be
easy to devise a method of promo
ton from grade to grade in which the
opinion of the higher officers OF the
service upon the candidates should be
decisive upon the standing and pro-
motion of the latter. Just such a sys-
tenn now obtains at West Point The
quality OF each years work determines
the standing of that years class. the
man being dropped or graduated into
the next class in the relative position
which his military superiors decide to
be warranted by his merit. In other
words. ability. energy. fidelity. and all
other similar qualities determine the
rank of man year after year in West
Point. and his standing in the army
when he graduates at West Point; but
from that time on. all effort TO find
which man is best or worst. and re-
ward or punish him accordingly, is
abandoned: no brilliancy. no amount OF
hard work. no eagerness in the per-
Torrance CT duty, can advance him,
and no slackness or indifference that
falls short of a court-martial offense
can retard him. Until this system is
changed we can not hope that our Off
GERS will be be of as high grade as we
have right to expect. considering the
material upon which we draw More
over, when man renders such ser
vice as Captain Pershing rendered last
spring in the Moro campaign, in ought
to be possible to reward him without
at once jumping him to the brigade of
Brigadier-general
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08

of November Z, 1865. advised Secretary
Seward as follows:
4 From this treaty it can not be sup
posed that New Granada invited the
| United States to become party to the
| Intestine troubles of that government.
nor did he United Staes become bound
! to take sides in the domestic broils OF
New Granada. The United States did
guarantee New Granada in the SOW
erei2nty and property over the terri
tory. This was against other and
foreign governments"
For four hundred years. ever since
shortly after the discovery OF this
hemisphere. the canal across the 18TH
mus has been planned. For two score
years it has been worked at When
| made it is to last for the ages. 1t is to
alter the geography of a continent and
| the trade routes of the world. We hava
| shown by every treaty we have nego-
| tiated with the peoples in control If
the isthmus and with foreign nations
! in reference thereto our consistent
good faith in observing our obliga-
tons; on the one hand to the peoples
of the isthmus, and on the other to the
civilized world whose commercial
rights we are safeguarding and guar
anteeing by our action. We have done
our duty to others in, letter and in
spirit, and we have shown the utmost
forbearance in exacting our own
rights.
Last spring. under the act above re.
fererd to. treaty concluded between
the representatives of the republic of
Colombia and of our government was
ratified by the senate. This treaty was
AnfQrpd infn the Snlipitafinn
of the people of Colombia and after a
body of experts appointed by our gov
eminent especially to go into the mat
ter of routes across the isthmus had
pronounced unanimously in favor az
the Panama route. In drawing up this
treaty every concession was made to
the people and to the government of
Colombia. We were more than just in
dealing with them. Our generosity
was such as to make it serious ques-
ton whether we had not gone too far
In their interest at the expense OF our
own; for in our scrupulous desire to
pay all possible heed, not merely to
the real but even to the fancied rights
of our weaker neighbor, who already
owed so much to our protection and
forbearance, we yielded in all possible
ways to her desires in drawing up the
treaty.
Reputation Of Treaty by Colombia.
Nevertheless the government
of Colombia not merely repudiated
the treaty. but repudiated it in such
manner as to make it evident by the
time the Colombian congress adjourned
that not the scantiest hope remained
of ever getting a satisfactory treaty
from them. The government of Column
bia made the treaty, and yet when
the Colombian congress was called to
ratify it the vote against ratification
was unanimous. 1t does not appear
that the government made any real ef-
fort to secure ratification.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
The Navy.

Shortly after the enunciation OF that
famous principle of American foreign
policy now known az the Monroe Doc
trine," President Monroe. in a special
message to congress on January 30.
1924. spoke as follows: THE navy is
the arm from which our government
will always derive most aid in support
of our r!shts. Every power en-
gagged in war will know the strength
OF our naval power, the number of our
ships OF each class. their condition,
and the promptude with which We NAV
bring them into service. and win ray
due consideration to that argument
1 heartily congratulate the congress
upon the steady progress in building up
the American navy. We can not afford
to let up in this great work To stand
still means to go back. There should
be no cessation in adding to the effec-
tive units OF the fighting strength %
the fleet. Meanwhile the navy depart
ment and the officers of the navy are
are doing well their part by providing
constant service at sea under condi-
tions akin to those OF actual warfare.
Our officers and enlisted men are
learning to handle the battleships.
cruisers and torpedo boats with high
efficiency in fleet and squadron forma-
tions, and the standard of marksmau-
ship is being steadily raised. The
best work ashore is Indispensable. but
the highest duty of a naval officer is to
exercise command at sea.
The establishment of naval base
in the Philippines ought not to h..
longer postponed. Such a base is
desirable in time of peace; in time OF
war it would be Indispensable and it's
lack would be ruinous. Without 1t our
feet would be helpless. Our naval ex-
perts are agreed that Subig Bay ~
the proper place for the purpose. The
national interests require that the
work of fertilization and development
of a naval station at Subig Bay be be-
gun at an early date; for under the
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08

ness matter. The governments forest
work should receive from the con-
gress hearty support. and especially
support adequate for the protection of
the forest reserves against fire. The
forest-reserve policy of the govern
ment has passed beyond the expert
mental stage and has reached a. con-
ditlon where scientific methods are es-
sential to, its successful prosecution.
The administrative features of forest
reserves are at present unsatisfactory,
being between the bureaus of two de-
partrnents. 1t is therefore recon-
mended that all matters pertaining to
forest reserves. except those involving
or pertaining to land titles, be con-
solidated in the bureau CT forestry of
the department OF agriculture.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Pensions.

No other class Of our citizens de-
serve so we'll OF the nation as those to
whom the nation owes it's very being.
the veterans OF the civil war. Special
attention is asked to the excellent work
of the pension bureau in expediting
and disposing of pension claims. Dur
ing the fiscal year ending July I, 1903,
the bureau settled 251.9S2 claims. an
average Of S25 claims for each working
day of the year. The number of set
Elements since July l. 1903. has been In
excess of last years average. ap-
preaching 1000 claims for each work
ing day, and it is believed that the
work OF the bureau viii be current at
the close of the present fiscal year.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Latest Proposition of Colombian Gov
eminent.

knowing that revolution has already
commenced in Panama Can eminent
Colombian) says that if the govern
ment of the United States will land
troops to preserve Colombian sover-
eighty, and the transit, If requested by
Colombian charge de affairs. this gov
eminent will declare martial law; and,
by virtue of vested constitutional au-
thority, when public order is disturbed.
viii approve by decree the ratification
of the canal treaty as signed; or. if the
government of the United States pre-
fers, will call extra session of the con-
grcss-with new and friendly mem
be1s-next May to approve the treaty.
Can imminent Colombian) has the per-
feet confidence of vice-president, he
says. and If 1t became necessary VIII
go TO the Isthmus or send representa-
tive there to adjust matters along
above lines to the satisfaction of tn :
people there"
This dispatch is noteworthy from two
standpoints It's offer CT Immediately
guaranteeing the treaty to us is in
sharp contrast with the positive ana
contemptuous refusal of the congress
which has just closed it's session to
consider favorably such a treaty; IL
shows that the government which made
the treaty really had absolute cont! oil
over the situation, but did not choose
to exercise this control. The dispatch
further calls on us to restore order and
SECURE Colombian supremacy in the
Isthmus from which the Colombian
government has just by its action de-
cided to bar us by preventing the con-
struction of the canal.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Irrigation.

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 re-
clamation service. which Is conduct
ing the surveys and examinations. has
been thoroughly organized. especial
pains being taken under the civil ser
vice rules a body of skilled, expert
enced and efficient men. Surveys and
examinations are progressing through
out the arid states and territories.
plans for reclaiming works being pre-
pared and passed upon by boards Of
engineers before approval by the sec
rotary of the interior. In Arizona and
Nevada. in localities where such work
Is pre-eminently needed, construction
has already 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 reach
ing agreements or understanding
as regards rights CT way or acquisi-
ton of real estate. Most Of the works
contemplated for the construction are
Of national Importance, involving in
terstate questions or the securing of
stable, self-suppoFung communities in
the midst of vast tracts of vacant land.
The nation as d 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 home market for the products
Of the east and south. The reclamation
law. while perhaps not ideal. appears
at present to answer the larger needs
for which it is designed. Further legis-
lation is not recommended until the
necessities of change are more appar
ent.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Disturbances on Isthmus Since 1886

When these events happened, fifty
seven years had elapsed since the Unit
ed States had entered into it's treaty
with New Granada During that time
the governments of New Granada and
its successor, Colombia, have been in
constant state of fiux. The following
is partial list Of the disturbances on
the Isthmus of Panama during the
period in question as reported to US by
our consuls. it is not possible to give
a complete list. and some of the reports
that speaks of revolutions must mean
unsuccessful revolutions.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Course of United States.

The people of Panama, have by ap-
arently unanimous movement dissolv-
ed their political connection with the re-
public of Colombia and resumed their
independence. When you are satisfied
that the de facto government, republic
can in form and without substantial
opposition from its own people. has
been established in the state of PAN
anna, you viii enter into relations with
II as the responsible government of the
territory and look to it for all due ac-
ticn to protect the persons and proper
ty of citizens of the United States and
to keep open the isthmian transit, in
accordance with the obligation of ex-
isting treaties governing the relations
Of the United States to that territory
The government of Colombia was
notified of our action by the following
telegram to Mr.. Reaupre:
The people Of Panama having, by an
apparently unanimous movement. dis
solved their political connection with
the republic of Colombia and resumed
their independence, and having adopt
ed a government of their own, repubIi-
can In form, with which the' govern
ment of the United States of America
has entered into relations. the p-esi-
dent of the United States, in accord
ance with the ties OF friendship which
have so long and so happily existed be-
tween the respective nations, most
earnestly commends to the government
of Colombia and of Panama the peace
full and equitable settlement of all ques-
tions of issue between them. He holds
that he is bound not merely by treaty
obligations, but by the interests OF CIV
ilization- to see that the peaceful traf-
fic of the world across the Isthmus of
Panama shall not longer. be disturbed
by constant succession of unneces-
SarY. and MaStefIil civil WARS >,
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Patents to Foreigners.

In granting patents to foreigners
the proper course for this country to
follow is to give the same advantage
10 foreigners here that the countries
In which these foreigners dwell extend
In return TO our citizens; that IL, to
extend the benefits of our patent laws
on inventions and the like where in
return the articles would be patentable
In the foreign countries concerned
where an American could get CORES
bonding patent in like countries,
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Indian Affairs,

The Indian agents should not be de-
pendent for their appointment or ten
ure OF office upon considerations of
partisan politics; the practice of APP
pointing, when possible, ex-army off,
GERS or bonded superintendents to the
vacancies that occur is working well.
Attention Is invited to the widespread
ilnteracy due to lack of public schools
IN the Indian Territory. Prompt heed
should be paid to the need OF educa-
ton for the children in this territory.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Removal Of Fences About Unlawful
Enclosures of Public Lands.

A gratifying. disposition has been
evinced by those having unlawful in
closures of public land to remove their
fences. Nearly two million acres so
inclosed have been thrown open on de-
mand. In but comparatively few cases
has 1t been necessary to go into court
TO accomplish this purpose. This
work will be vigorously prosecuted I'M
til all unlawful Enclosures have been
removed
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Cotton Weevil.

The cotton-growing states have re-
Gently been invaded by a weevil that
has done much damage and threatens
the entire cotton industry. l suggest
to congress the prompt enactment of
such remedial legislation as its judg
ment may approve.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08

approximately. IS. 46l. 49S win go to the
credit OF the fund for the reclamation
OF arid land. making a total of this
fund up TO the 30th of June. 1908. ap-
proximately, SIC. l91, 1886.
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08
Importance to United States of Con-
troll Of Means of Undisturbed
Transit Across lsthmus.

The control. in the interest of the
commerce and traffic of the whole civ
iliZed world. of the means of undis-
turbed transit across the Isthmus of
Arizona republican., 1903-12-08

Continued on page 12.l
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-07-16
FIRE DESTROYS
 TWO BUILDINGS
OF JASPER MAKE HE Rolc EFFORTS TO PREVENT SPREAD OF FLAMES AND HEAVY LOSS IS INVERTED.

Jasper July 15.-(speeial)-A very de- struetive fire broke out in Patriek's restaurant here this morning at about o'clock and before the flames could be checked they had consumed the cafe and the general store of J. D. Mcdonald which adjoins It is not known just how the fire originated, but it is believed to have been caused from the large range in the kitchen.
 Heroic efforts were made by the eiti- zens to stop the flames and for some time 1t seemed that all efforts would not avail, but by o'clock the fire was under control. The loss to Mcdonald was about s30OO. and he had about siOO0 insurance. Patrick's loss was nearly s1O0O while he carried about $75o insurance The furni- ture of the Jasper Inn was considerably damaged by moving. This hotel and the large department store of Cranford Mer- cantile Co are in the same block and for some time it was thought the flames could not be kept from them. Had they once caught in either of these buildings the largest portion of the business dis trct would have been destroyed.
 This Is the first fire of any consequence that Jasper has had since the entire business district was destroyed about ten years ago.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-07-16
DECATUR
Commercial Club Has important Ses-
 sion-Taxes Are Adjusted.

New Decatur, July 15.-The regular monthly meeting of the Commercial Club proved to be a most enthusiastic one and many questions of importance to the city's future welfare were discussed by the members
 The club will take steps looking forward to the completion of the Middle Tennessee and Alabama railroad, which is now built from Fayetteville, Tenn, to Lax, Ala, distance of only fourteen miles from this city. This line of road would open up one of the richest farming sections in North Alabama and would bring the products of these farms to this city.
 Another question that was discussed was that of paving the streets in the business portion of the city and in order to get the matter in tangible shape the club appoint ed a committee to confer with the city council.
 The club also has made a movement in the direction of trying to induce the Louisville and Nashville Railroad com pany to put on an accommodation train between the Decaturs and Birmingham; the train to arrive here at an early hour in the morning from Birmingham and de- part from here for Birmingham late in the afternoon. This train would be not only of great advantage to the Decaturs but to all the towns along the line be- tween here and Birmingham.
 The board of County Commissioners are in session here adjusting tax valuations. Many taxes have been raised and quite a few pieces of property have escaped taxation. The board will be in seston all the week.
 Horseback riding among the young girls of this city has become quite fad within the past few days and illustrates that the new girl" has arrived in Alabama, as many of the girls are wearing divided skirts and riding astride.
 A very exciting game of baseball took place here yesterday between two small boys hines. The teams were the Twin City Tigers of the Decaturs and the Junior Chootaws of Birmingham. The score was: New Decatur 2s, Birmingham IA The att tendance was fairly good and number of brilliant plays were made, notwthstand- ing the large score.
 Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week the Twin City Club, the Decaturs' champions, will play the Petersburg, Tenn, team.