Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1906-12-07
WITHDRAWING COAL LANDS.

WITHDRAWING COAL LANDS.
The Butte Miner never misses the
opportunity to score President Roose
welt and his administration if it can
6nd the slightest provocation, hence
1t is something to be expected of the
Clark organ.
The withdrawal OF the coal lands
In this state seems to afford the Miner
and other Democratic organs unusual
concern, yet as the Great Falls Lead
er says it was only a few months ago,
when the question of coal lands was
up in the senate and Senators Till.
man, LaFollette and others were
clamoring for just this policy in In.
dian Territory, that these same Demo
Gratis newspapers were loud in their
praise Of such policy and bitter in
their denunciation of those United
States senators who wished TO con-
tinue along the old lines in dealing
with the coal lands Of the country.
Now that the president has taken
oNllOA w VI CSSlN lie COdl ld1uS 1OI
the people these same papers are de
nouncing him as the enemy of the
west
Undoubtedly the railroads and the
great corporations of the west would
prefer TO see these coal lands left
open and the papers that are attack
Ing the action OF the president in
Withdrawing them are only playing
into their hands. There are probably
millions of acres OF fine coal lands
along the Clark failroad which would
which will be gobbled up if the gov
eminent does not act hastily in with
drawing them from entry.
AS regards the withdrawal of Goa
lands in this county no reasonable
man will question the good intention
OF the president, while everyone viii
hope that the larger portion of these
lands will soon be again open to pub
lie entry. In such cases the govern
ment should take prompt action t.
determine as far as possible wha1
portion of the land is coal bearing
and what Is not, in order that set
Element and growth will not be re
tarded.
1t has been suggested that congress
entry upon these lands and absolute
ownership to the settler so far as sur.
face rights are concerned, the govern.
ment to keep back from him only the
right to the mineral under the ground
and retainging the power to condemn
as much of the surface as is needed
should it eventually be shown that min
ing is possible underneath. Whether
this would be practicable or not it is
worthy Of consideration if great areas
supposed to contain coal are to be
withdrawn.
The question of coal, or fuel, is
certain to be of burning importance
right here in Montana in a few years,
II it is not already. Every year towns
ss~~N SAsASS Gil hhoihS IL L1OiC OinlCull
to secure wood and at present the
price is almost prohibitive in some 10
calities.
Coal must be the fuel for domes
tic and all other purposes and tn,
necessity for taking timely action t,
prevent its monopoly by private o
corporate interests must occur to
good many of our readers.
While the withdrawal of coal land
in this county may temporarily retar'
settlement We believe the government
will soon restore the most Of the Ian
and that concerted effort should b.
made to have action taken as quick,
as possible.
If there are large coal measures il
this county the people should b,
thankful that the government has dis
covered them and has acted prompt