The San Francisco call., 1904-08-06
WANT
CHANGE IN LAW
Adopt Resolutions Asking
Congress to Transfer Con-
troll of Forest Reserves
ANIMATED DISCUSSION
Cattle Raisers Urge Passage
OF a Bill Which Will
Protect the Grazing Lands

DENVER, Aug. 5.-The Western
Stock Growers, who have been confer
ring here for three days with the spe-
clal land commission appointed by
president Roosevelt. finally adjourned
this evening without taking any action
with reference to the strike at the
packing-house centers. A resolution
was adopted with practical unanimity
urging upon Congress the necessity
OF the transfer at the earliest possible
date of the management of the forest
reserves to the Department of Agri-
culture, where not only the forests, but
all the interests involved, may be prop
erly studied and protected"
The discussion of the resolutions con-
corning grazing lands was animated,
there being a strong sentiment in favor
of amending those reported by the
committee so as to urge the passage
of strict leasing law for arid lands Of
all States and Territories. AS reported
and as finally adopted the resolutions
are as follows:
Whereas. After full discussion in open con-
vention. the fact has developed that conditions
over the vast area included in the grazing
districts of the West are varied and con-
consumed in the classification Of the public
grazing area, as we'll the determination OF
range customs and usages IN different dis
Whereas, The past creation Of forest re-
serves has often been ill-advised and far
reaching and the administration thereof as
concerns the grazing interests has been faulty
even to injustice, and, believing that the
Department of the Interior is not fully equipped
to study and handle the forest reserve ques-
tton; and,
Whereas. Feeling that the present grazing
system has been built up through a term OF
many years. consuming the life work of the
western pioneers and Of the younger genera
tion, cntaiing untold hardship and even sac
efforts entitle the great majority OF the present
occupants of the range to uncertain voice
in the initiation Of any legislation that may
affect their interests; therefore. be 1t
Resolved. That we favor the passage Of a
law which will authorize the Secretary OF
Agriculture TO thoroughly classify the vacant
lands of the United States and determine the
conditions at present governing the OF the
grazing areas and TO ascertain those sections
of the range area, If there be any, to which
a lease system can be satisfactorily applied
and be 1t further
Resolved. That the power to create and
administer forest reserves shall be vested in
the Department OF Agriculture, which is
specially organized and equipped for this pur-
pose; and be it further
Resolved, That favor Government con-
troll of and jurisdiction over all public graz
ing areas by or through the Department OF
Agriculture; local questions being decided on
local grounds and under regulations made to
meet local conditions; that the range rights
of present users Of the grazing area de-
shall be carefully safeguarded, and that
no sudden or stringent upheaval Of existing
conditions which would cause commercial dis
tress shall be made; on the other hand. such
legislation must be gradual In its effect and
leases granted only where locally satisfactory
determined by the proper authority