Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1904-08-10
FAVOR LEASING.
Stockmen at Denver Take No Action
on Strike Situation.

Denver, Aug. 5.-The western
stockgrowers, who have been conferr-
ing here for three days with the spec
ial land commission appointed by
President Roosevelt, finally adjourned
this evening without taking any ac-
ton with reference to the strike at
the packing house centers. A reso-
luton was adopted with practical un-
animity urging upon congress 1.-THE
necessity of the transfer at the ear
liest possible date of the management
of the forest reserves to the depart
ment of agriculture, where not only
the forests, but all the interests in
volved may be properly studied and
protected"
Discussion of the resolutions con
corning grazing lands was animated.
there being a strong sentiment in ia
vor of amending those reported by
the committee so as to urge the pass
age of a strict leasing law for the
arid lands of all states and territor-
les. AS reported and as finally adopt
ed, the resolutions ar as follows:
Whereas, after due discussion in
open convention. the fact has devel-
oped that conditions over the vast
area included on the grazing districts
of the west are so varied and on
flicting that much time must of neces-
sity be consumed in the classification
of the public grazing area as well as
the determination of range customs
and usages in different districts; and,
Whereas, The vast creation of for
est reserves have often been ill-ad-
vised and ~far-reaching and the admin
istration thereof, as concerns the graz
ing interest, has been faulty even to
injustice, and believing that the de-
partment of the interior is not fully
equipped to study and handle the
forest reserve question; and,
Whereas. Feeling that the present
grzing system has been built up
through many years, consuming the
life work of the western pioneers and
of the younger generation, entailing
untold hardships and even sacrifice
of life. and believing that such sturdy
efforts entitle the great majority of
the present occupants of the range
to no uncertain voice in the initia-
ton of any legislation that may af-
feet their interest; therefore, be 1t
Resolved, That we favor the pass,
age of a law which will authorize
the secretary of agriculture to thor
oughly classify the vacant lands of
the United States and determine the
conditions present governing the use
Of the grazing lands. and to ascertain
these sections of the range area, ii
there be any. to which a lease sys.
TEN car be satisfactorily applied;
be 1t
Further resolved, That the crea.
ton and administration of forest re,
serves shall be vested in the depart
ment OF agriculture, which is spec
tally organized and equipped for this
purpose; and be 1t.
Further resolved, That We favor
government control of and jurisdic'
ton over all public grazing areas, by
or through the department of agricul-
ture. the local questions being de
cided on local grounds and under reg
ulations made to meet local condi.
tons; that the range rights of pres
ent users of the grazing area as de-
termined by priority Of occupancy and
present use shall be carefully safe
guarded. and that no sudden or strin
gent %upheaval of the existing condi'
tons which would cause commercial
distress shall be made; on the othei
hand, such legislation must be grad
ual in its effect, and leases granted
only where locally satisfactory as de
termined by the proper authorities.