The San Francisco call., 1903-01-28

~ colt, Consulting Engineer of the
- Reclamation Service, United
States Geological Survey; A. E.
Chandler Of the National Agricultural
Department and Robert Marshall OF the
Typographical Department, United States
Geological Survey, spent most of to-day
al the Capitol on a special mission from
the respective departments which they
represent. They came to inform the Gov
ernor and the members of the Legis-
lature that in the matter of investiga-
lions and surveys along the lines ind
Gated by a bin introduced by Assembly
man Johnson. the national Government
stands ready TO meet the State half way
and 10 cooperate in any such movement
They desired that il be understood that
they are not lobbying for that or any
other bin. but that their purpose was
simply 10 explain the attitude of the Gov
ernment on such matters. The bill re-
ferred 10 bears the following title, which
explains its purposes: An act to provide
for the joint investigation with the Fed
eral Government Of the water resources
OF the State and the best methods Of
preserving the forests thereof; appointing
a Board az Water and Forest Commits
sioners 10 conduct such Investigations on
behalf OF the State and making an ap-
propriatfon for the expenses Of such in
Vestigations"
Briefly stated. II is the desire OF the
trainers Of this measure that the State
appropriate 100000 for the purposes
stated in its title. a similar amount TO be
expended by the national Government.
Lippincott explained to-day that If the
appropriation is made the following dis
position Will be made of the States
money: $4,000 10 complete the topo-
graphical survey: $4,000 in the hydro
graphic branch TO be used principally in
stream gauging; $4,000 for forestry in
Nesrigation under the personal direction
Of Clifford PinchOt. Chief Forester Of the
United States Agricultural Department.
and $4,000 for the purpose of determining
The quantity Of water necessary in Cali
fornia for the protection of crops
The measure is by no means a new one
IN fact a similar bill prepared, as was
this one, at the instance of the State Wa
Ter ard Forest Association was passed
ny The last Legislature. but did not meet
with the approval Of the Governor. ADDED
strength is given TO the measure this
time. however. by the fact that the rep
resentatives Of the Government now have
ample authority TO promise the Govern
ments cooperation. To-day while at the
Capitol Dippincott received the follow
ing telegram from F. H. Newell chief
engineer OF the United States geological
survey with headquarters in Washington:
"Offer cooperation according to amend
ed bill and ali possible assistance in pro-
noting best interests Of water and for
ests.' He explained that he could offer
positive assurances that the Government
viii eXpend dollar for dollar any amount
which the State might appropriate
The visiting officials had a long consult
stion with Governor Pardee and explained
fully 10 him what is desired. The Coy
eTnor entered heartily into the discussion.
but. Of course did not indicate what his
policy VIII be Re called together the
Senate and Assembly committees into
Joint session and before them the visiting
officials appeared and explained their
mission fully. The committee took the
matter under advisement and will not act
until its members have ascertained the
views Of the Governor.
Several members Of the committee stat
ed that there is little proba bility Of the
appropriation Of anything like the sum
proposed in the bill. and action on the en-
Ire matter may be left for the next ses-
sen OF the Legislature. This is not be-
cause there is strong opposition to the
y opposed plan. but is almost wholly due
10 the condition of the State treasury. il
being well known that the policy of the
present administration will be to oppose
cry heavy appropriations which may be
dispensed with without injury TO the
State. Until the committee reports IT will
not be known whether a smaller appropri-
ation viii be favored. but in private con-
Nersation a number of the members say
lhey favor such a compromise.