Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1907-02-01
TO PROTECT FOREST RESERVES.
A Bill Which Is Not only Of National
Importance, But Is Of Immediate
Local Interest
[springneld RepnhlIcnnl


There is a vital local interest in the
bill now before Congress for establishing
two forest reserves in the East. one In
the White mountains and the other in
/ the southern Appalachians. An appeal to
New England congressman to support IL
bears the signatures of Theophilus Par
sons, treasurer Of the Lyman mills at
Holyoke, F. Lowering, agent of these
mills, Reuben c. Winchester. treasurer OF
the Holyoke water power company, and
William Whiting Of the whiting paper
company, as well as those OF manufac tur-
ers In other parts Of New England who
know what headwater forests mean for
the preservation and equalization of water
supply. and who dread the effects of a
denudation which will dry up their
springs at their source.
This bill has unanimously passed the
Senate. 1t Is recommended without a
dissenting vote by the House committee
on agriculture. 1t is urged by all advo-
Gates OF forest protection. 1t Is strongly
favored by the President. 1t is believed
that majority OF the members OF the
House OF Representatives are in Its favor
II Is indorsed by the governors Of Mass
achusetts. Maine, New Hampshire, Yer
mont, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
And yet fears are now expressed that IL
viii not be allowed to come to a vote.
that II will be side tracked suppressed
and delayed while the spoIlation by
private interests continues.
The preservation and systematic culti-
walton Of forests is coming 10 be more
and more recognized as one Of the i'm
portant and necessary functions OF gov
eminent. Students OF history and eco
Monies have told us the fate Of nations
which lay waste and do not replenish
their forest reserves. On the mountains
neglect cannot be made good The rain
fan washes the exposed soil into the
sea, and ages must elapse before the
bleak rocks will again sustain life Agri-
culture, water power and navigation all
demand head water forests New Eng
land is fun OF small water powers. avail
able either for local manufactures or for
electric transmission OF power Each
one OF them Is separate argument for
the forests. All this means nothing to
an individual money getter whose sole
wish is TO exploit wooded tract For
estry does not appeal TO individuals; IL
Is too remote. There Is no inducement
to plant forests to be cut in CO. so or 100
years. n nation can AFFORD TO wait :
every acre Of land planted with timber
Is an asset: with proper cutting out and
policing against thieves and fire II Is n
safe investment that grows in value
every day. There are great areas
fit for little else. where the forces OF
nature might be building up a vast ma
tiOnal wealth.
Here Is beginning. In those two re-
serves are important remnants OF the fast
disappearing forests that once covered
eastern America. In the southern Ap-
palachians is the last important stand OF
hard woods. Both are invaluable as pro-
tections for the water supply. Both are
natural beauty spots, and fitted to be
public parks for the nation. All argu-
ments, the economic welfare of the coun-
try, the protection Of unspolled wilder
ness parks, the local benefits which flow
from the visitors attracted by natural
beauties. are on the side OF this bill It
Is in the public interest; there is no op-
position except on selfish grounds New
England should speak in this matter with
no uncertain voice, and demand that a
measure OF such vital concern be not
shufiied out Of sight on any pretext what
ever.