The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-06-07
SHOULD NOT NEEDLE
Packers Will Retaliate on Public
for investigating.
FOREST RESERVE QUESTION
Senator Fulton Working to Regulate
Forestry and Agricultural Matters
For Peoples Interests in
This State.
FOREST RESERVE QUESTION

~hHI 'iNlN-N NEW - III hF-AN, WASH
ington. d. C., June 6.--An underurrent
of sentiment peTading Congress these
days, when new issue with the great
packers is being exploited, is that the
meat packing business would be as
economically and hygienically done by
many fairly large plants situated near
the point OF production. Friends of the
big packers argue that further interfer-
ence with the order that has developed
by Armour, Swift ct al may result in
these magnates reducing capital invest
ed, not seeking foreign trade and other.
wise trying to discipline a meddlesome
public. This menace does not seem to
have terrors for either consumer or stock
producer. Without the club held by the
mammoth packers over all independent
packing industries, assurance is given
that many new plants would spring up
throughout the west and middle west.
II the packers are to intimidate the
public more effectual threat than that
indicated, will have to be made.
Agricultural Bill.
When the pending agricultural appro-
priation bill becomes law, if as at pres
ent framed. all proceeds of forest re-
serves, whether for sale of timber or
grazing privileges, will b. divided with
counties in which the reserves are stu
lted. The percentage agreed upon is
10, which viii probably be finally adopt
I'd, this being OF gross receipts
Tn. effect in Oregon will be material, |
where approximately 100000 acres Of
and has been withdrawn for forest re-
serves. Sales of timber are limited yet, |
but will no doubt grow rapidly as the
supply diminishes and prices rise. Ore.
CONS counties having the heaviest tim
Der in reserves will probably reap con-
siderable annual revenue from this |
source. Grazing fees will be realized |
from the first year that the new provis- |
on goes into effect. The minimum and
maximum figures are not available, but
he average number Of sheep that will
De permitted on reserves will probably |
De at the rate of one for each 2.5 acres, |
while cattle will be allotted at the rate |
If one beast for each five or six acres. |
The governments figures for summer
grazing of sheep are five to eight cents,
md % to 35 for cattle. If sheep may |
)e taken as a basis of estimate, as six |
.ents head, and 2.5 acres to one sheep,
he revenue from l2,0OO,0O0 acres would
'e $288,0OO for the grazing privilege. 1t
.annot be said that nearly l2,00O0O0
lcres will be grazed, so this basic figure
5 probably high. Under the 10 per cent
PROVISION, the state would get out of
his aggregate but $28,8O0, to be dis.
hbuted among the many counties hav-
ng reserve land.
Timber revenues will in all probabil.
ty be much larger, especially west of
he summit Of the Cascades. Such re-
uIns will in all probability become a
more important item of county revenue
n the next decade.
In the struggle for such concessions as
his, the northwest members of Congress
AVE often found themselves practical
y alone. Senator Fulton has consist.
ntIy striven for larger percentage Of
imber and range receipts, but found
hat the struggle had to be pioneered
mong apathetic members whose states
ad little or no timber for the market
nd less grass. Under the provisions of
he pending measure, he hopes that pub
ic sentiment will be quickened. until the
ivisiOn Of receipts is placed on a
asis Of such share for the government
8 actual expenses require, giving the
esidue to the counties where the re.
erves are found.