Amador ledger., 1907-02-22

for 4O2 acres of land enormously
entered by homestead and other
claimants while they were a part OF
the reservation. there were stricken
from the bill after it left the house.
appropriations aggregating S21, 900
for additional buildings and cement
walks for the Sherman institute, hut
the California senators will endeavor
to have them restored.
On the 1st of February the senate
passed senator FIint's bill extending
two years time for making settlement
and final proof under the homestead
laws in the case of lands in San Diego
county affected by the break IN the
Colorado river and the formation of
the Salton sea.
The senate bill to lnc1 ease the
salaries of letter carriers has passed
that body. 1t involves 13,727 carriers,
whose salaries aggregate Sl4, $50, 800
Salaries in cities having $4,000 in
habitants or over are graded so that
| those of the seventh grade shall re-
ceive 5000; sixth, s7O0; fifth, $500;
fourth, $500; third, $1,000; second.
81, 100; and first, 81 200 per annum.
IheIe'are five grades in cities having
less than $4,000 Inhabitants, the
salaries being the same as those from
the seventh to the third grade as
above set forth.
Forester Pinchot of the forestry
service has informed senator Perkins
that he will be able this year to make
payment to the school funds of
counties wherein are forest reserves
very considerable amounts of money
representing part of the receipts
from the sale of timber from and
grazing privileges granted in forest
reserves. Calitornia's share will be
about sl4, 600.
| A very interesting discussion took
place before the senate committee on
agriculture Wednesday between the
committee and representatives of
grazing and lumber interests of many
OF the tar western states. The ques-
tion was the preservation of the
forests in the reserves and the repro.
duction of soil which had been washed
away through the effects of over
grazing. Reforesting of denuded
areas will be undertaken, and soil
will be replaced through the planting
of certain kinds of grasses which will
grow on what are now barren areas,
thereby holding the earth against
rain and melting snow and giving an
opportunity for the collection of
humus and will aid the return of
fruitfulness. The work of the forestry
bureau is broadening every year as
the organization is perfected and
more money is available, and before
long the service will be more than
self-supporting. At present the press
ing need is the construction of trails,
cabins, telephone lines and bridges in
the reserves. to afford every aid poss-
ible to the rangers in the protection
of forests from damage by fire or
otherwise. 1t is purposed to begin
this important work during the COM
ing summer.
The California state federation of
labor has written to the delegation
calling attention to the fact that the
ferry from Mare Island to Vallejo
carries some of the navy-yard en-
ployes free, while some ninety per
cent of the workmen have to pay fare.
This discrimination is, in their opin-
ION, unjust, and it is suggested that
the government establish a free ferry
system for the woIkmen, who are
practically the only patrons of the
l1ine. Congressman Knowland has
taken steps to ascertain all facts bear
ing on the present ferry, with view
of ascertaining whether there is any
thing that would interfere with the
establishment of a government line.
When the situations in thoroughly
understood the delegation will give it
further attention.
Hon. L. Il. Aubury. state miner o.
logist. is very active in behalf of Cali
fornla producers of building material,
and has written to senator Perkins in
regard to his work. AS supervising
!; Architect Taylor has stated that