Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-08

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 rs the recla-
melton service, which is conducting the
surveys and examinations, has been
thoroughly organized, especial pains be-
ing taken to secure under the civil serv-
ice rules a body of skilled, experienced
and efficient men. Surveys and exami-
nations are progressing throughout the
arid states and territories, plans for re-
claiming works being prepared and
passed upon by boards of engineers be-
fore approval by the secretary of the
interior. In Arizona and Nevada, in To-
calities where such work is pre-emi-
nantly needed, construction has already
been begun. In other parts of the arid
west various projects are well 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 or
acquisition Of real estate. Most of the
works contemplated for construction
are Of national Importance, involving
interstate questions or the securing OF
stable, self supporting communities 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 furnishing
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 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
| lions 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
|
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
irrigation. Much progress in forestry
| has been made during the past year.
The necessity for perpetuating our for
est 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 re-
serves can, supply. Progressive lum-
bermen are striving through forestry
| to give their business perlnanence. 9th
er great business interests are awaken
ing TO the need Of forest preservation
as business matter The govern
ments forest work should receive from
the congress hearty support and espe-
4 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 condi-
| ton where scientific methods are es-
sential to its 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 involv-
ing or pertaining to land titles, be con-
solidated 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 its 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-
tions and the like where in return the
! articles would be patentable in the for
eign countries concerned. where an
American could get corresponding
| patent in such countries.
Indian Affairs.
The Indian agents should not be de-
pendent for their appointment or ten
ure of office upon considera tons of par
! tisan politics. The practice of appoint
ing when possible ex-army officers or
bonded superintendent to the vacan-
cies that occur is working we'll. At
tention is invited to the widespread il
literacy 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 enlarging the safety appli-
nnce 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
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