East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1907-09-13

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"Forest Reservations" was written
by Judge stephen A. Lowell of this
city for the September number of
the Chamber of Commerce Bulletin
of Portland:
There Is perhaps no one of the
many activities Of the general gov
ernment which rs so far-rsaching In
its influence and at the same time so
little appreciated as the work of the
forestry bureau. Its probable effect
upon the future Is SO fraught with
promise OF good to the people that
II at once merits careful study and
invokes the favorable consideration Of
that most influential body of citi-
zens, the commercial class.
The forestry scheme is not new.
Indeed, Ii but reflects at possibly too
late a day for the nations highest
benefit, the advanced ideas of the
old world where public sentiment
long ago crystalized in favor of for
est preservation. In this country 1t
should appeal to intelligent trade cir
cles, for two Impressive reasons; first
because denudation of the tree
growth must ultimately render the
streams practically valueless both for
power purposes and navigation; and
second, because at the present rate
of consumption the timber supply Of
the United States will, without regu-
lation, become practically exhausted
in another half century.
There are other reasons, but they
IN cluster
around them. We may be living in
an age of steel, but Notwithstanding
the Importance of that metal to in
dustrial life, wood and water still
constitute the foundations of indus
trial prosperity.
The scope of forestry operations is
not confined to the preservation and
protection Of existing forests, but 1t
looks toward the re-forestation Of ex-
hausted tracts and the creation of
new tree areas east and west, to as
sure fuel and lumber and to protect
the stream sources. 1t looks beyond
the present to meet the certain de-
mands of the future.
Unhappily there is organized a
powerful opposition in many portions
of the west TO forestry legislation, and
II may be in danger. This arises
from potent interests which object to
the creation of forest reserves because
thereby lands are withdrawn from
exploitation Its active force is chief
ly among timber spectators, mine
promoters and range barons.
Fortunately. however, the broader
minded men in the two latter classes
are beginning to align themselves be-
hind a policy which their intelligence
teaches is born Of necessity and states
manship.
No Well Founded Opposition.
The stock argument promulgated
by the opponents of the governments
position is impressive because SEEM
ingly based upon reason, but an
analysis thereof discloses that II is
the usual specious plea of self inter-
est. They cry that the withdrawal OF
large bodies of public lands for the
creation of national forests retards
the development of the new states,
and many fair-minded men, believing
this. have unwittingly added their in
upon nothing but piratical selfishness
the destruction today of the neces-
sity of tomorrow.
The truth is that when these tracts
are declared reservations their status
is not materially changed, except that
therein the protecting power of the
government is felt in just and salutars
regulations.
All lands therein which are valu-
able chiefly, for agricultural purpos-
es, and which can be so occupied
without injury to the forests, are still
open to settlement under the home
stead law; mineral lands included
may still be entered for mining pur-
poses; all the waters are subject to
use for domestic, irrigation. power
and milling purposes; timber and
stone may be used free Of charge by
settlers for fuel, fencing, building
and mining; and If there shall exist
within the segregated territory min.
eral springs, the statute provides for
the leasing of lands for sanitarium
hotel and tenting purposes; while
public roads and free sites for schools
and churches are provided for what
ever needed
The present as well as the future
requirements Of the people are met
for the timber is appraised, and the
dead matured and large growth SOLD
from time to time for lumber and
cordwood to any one who may desire