Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1906-03-01
RANGE POLICY.
Western States will Have to Face
mcthing New.

Washington, D c.. Feb. "a Western
states will be compelled to face a range
leasing policy in due couree of time,
the present trend of events in regard tt
public domain continues. No such {
law will get through the present con
giess, as the leaders of the two houseI
are not ready to precipitate discussion
but it is apparent to observing men tina
the time is not distant when such vii
be the case, and leading stockmen are
already preparing tor the issue. Those
gwen to careful research are endeavor:
ing to get facts for presentation. Texas
in her career of liberal and independent
treatment of pubic lands is shining
example for the range Ieasers. Wyom.
ing's experiences are also being ex-
plotted. The customs of the entire
country based upon the principles of
getting public land into the private
ownership OF the individual. are being
offered on the side of those opposed to
the leasing system.
Since the public land commission re-
ported in favor of leasing that part of
the public domain adapted to range
purposes, the policy is regarded as hav-
ing administration backing. President
Roosevelt's reference to the subject IN
his message WAS the last endorsement,
which was expected to force the ques-
ton this congress. As the first session
draws toward its close there seems no
room for range-easing before the sum-
mer adjournment. The next session
will be short, and unless the admipistra-
ton presses urgently for consideration
OF this measure. or pro-leasing interests
perform the same service. it is hardly
probable that the short tenn will create
the law that is bound to have broad in
fuence upon the entire west.
In whatever is done, there are sure to
be provisions that will facilitate the
homeeteader. Some advocates of leas-
ing believe that the homestead entry
man should have the right to enter
upon land during the term of even an
annual lease, after proving his bona fde
home purpose. Others are inclined to
think that settlement of the country will
be amply safeguarded by providing that
the homestead entryman shall be given
access to the land only after expiration
of q range lease. Champions of the
small stockman will also insist that On
entryman taking range land, shall be
insured good range acreage about his
homestead. which others cannot lease.
The range homestead has been suggest.
ed as law that would encourage the
cattle industry at least, if not the sheep,
and recognize the semiarid condition OF
the country. This suggestion is to let a
man take a large range acreage as a
single homestead. the limit being such
probable yield of forage as the average
agricultural homestead vie Ids.
All of the solutions proposed could
not be enumerated in limited space,
but enough have been advanced to
prove that when the question must
finally be decided, there will be a wide
dlyersitv of courses offered. Western
states should begin careful study of
the situation. They will be most vitality
affected and unless their rights as states
and industrial commonwealth are ably |
in the formative hour of
awmaking, theories that are utterly |
may he forced upon them.
There has been such stir throughout |
he east in regard to the public domain,
hat radical action might be expected if
he true status of the west is not made
he subject of constant education.
Many eastern people regard the acQuisi
ion of more than 100 acres of public
and by one person or company as Land
They do not realize the
necessities of q range country. When
on the timber acreage required
" large lumber concern before erect
rg a mill, they are inclined to style the
business precaution a public outrage.
TO meet such views as these and have
whatever legislation is enacted kept
lpon a plane permitting the most rapid
nd permanent western development,
many western people are already antci-
,ating the discussion nv gathering data.
liy the annexation of a portion OF