The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1904-08-06
OF
STOCK GROWERS
Creation of Forest Reserves
Often III-Adyised.
GRAZING INTEREST INJURED
RECOMMENDATION as TO THE
RANGE RIGHTS.

RENVER, August 5.-The western
stockgrowers who have been con-
ferring here for three days with
the special land commission appointed
by President Roosevelt finally ad-
Journed this evening without taking
any action with reference to the strike
at the packing house centers- \ reso-
luton was adopted with practical
Uranimity urging upon congress the
necessity of the transfer at the earliest
possible date Of the mana cement Of
the forest reserves to the department
OF agriculture. where not only the
forests, but all the interests involved
may be properly studied and pro-
tected"
Discussion OF the resolutions con-
corning grazing lands was animated,
there being a strong sentiment IN favor
OF amending those reported by the
committee 50 as to urge the passage
Of a strict leasing law for arid lands
Of all states and territories. As re-
ported and as finally adopted, the resO-
buttons are as follows.
Whereas. After full discussion in
open convention. the fact has deVei-
oped that conditions over the vast
area included in the grazing districts of
i
that much time must of necessity be
consumed in the classification of the
public grazing area. as we'll as the de-
termination Of range customs and US
ages in different districts; and.
Il1-Advised Action.
Whereas. The past creation OF forest
reserves has often been iIl-advised and
far reaching and the administration
/ thereof as concerns the grazing inter-
est has been faulty even to injustice,
and believing that the department of
the interior is not fully equipped 10
study and handle the forest reserve
question; and,
whereas Feeling that the present
era zing- system has been built up
through a term of many years COnsum-
ing the life work of the western pio-
neers and of the younger generation,
entailing untold hardshiDs and even
sacrifice Of life, and believing that such
sturdy efforts entitle the great maj OT-
ity Of the present occupants of the
range to no uncertain voice in the
initiation Of any legislation that may
affect their interest. therefore,
Be it resolved. That We favor the
passage of law which win authorize
the secretary o. agriculture TO thor
oughly classify the vacant lands Of the
United States and determine the con
ditions at present governing the use of
the grazing areas. and TO ascertain
those sections of the range area. if
there be any. to which lease system
can be satisfactorily applied; be it,
Government Control
Further resolved. That the power to
create and administer forest reserves
shall be vested In the department of
agriculture which Is specially organ
+ lied and equipped for this purpose:
and be it,
Further resolved, That We favor gov
I eminent control Of and jurisdiction
over ali public grazing 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 as determined by priority Of &C
/ cupancy and present use shall be care
{ fully safeguarded. and that no sudden
4 or stringent upheaval of existing con-
+ ditions which would cause commercial
: distress shall be made. or the. other
hand Sucn legislation must be gradual
I in its effect and leases granted only
/ where locally satisfactory as deter
mined by the proper authorities
Secretary Of Agriculture james VIII
J son win leave for the west this evening
and Clifford PinchOt and T. H Newell
I for the east tomorrow morning