The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-06-18
Is Motto of Colorado Delegates
to Denver Convention.
CARTER IN THE CHAIR
Outlines Presidents Views on
Subject for Discussion.
Roosevelt Opposes Free and
Unregulated Range.

Denver, Colo, June 18.-Called to-
gether for a discussion of public land
questions with a view to formulating a
policy and urging legislation in ac-
cordance Herewith, nearly 1000 citi-
zens representing all the Transmits
souri, states met in convention at the
Broadway theater in this city today.
From Washington have come James r.
Garfield, secretary of the interior; Gift
ford Pinchot, chief of the forestry de-
partment; f. H Teha11, head of the
reclamation service. and r. A. Bal
linger, commissioner of the general
land office representing President
Roosevelt and prepared to give all
possible information as to the policies
of the administration regarding the
control and regulation of the public
lands.
The badge worn by the Colorado
delegates was designed to furnish the
scribed as follows:
Public lands were intended for
home builders. We oppose interfer-
ence by government bureaus under
autocratic rules and regulations.
United States Senator Thomas H.
Carter of Montana. who was chosen
as temporary chairman in caucus last
night, made the following statement
today before the convention assem-
bled, regarding the position of Pres1-
dent Roosevelt on the land question:
The president is irrevocably op-
posed it seems, to the continuance of
Is not absolutely committed TO any
particular scheme for the accomplish
ment of this purpose This Is What
he informed me. The policy as l am
informed by him is the regulation OF
the public ranges of the west by the
governm
THE president added that if it was
found there were any harsh rules IN
Il. 1sr,k,. fSrNva 80 fIlra Tln IL
cies these harsh rules, not the policies,
would be modified"
Governor Henry A. Buchtel, of Color
ado, called the convention to order and
Senator Carter We unanimously CHOSEN
as temporary chairman. In his address
he expressed the opinion that the day
of the great open range is past. He
said that among the- questions 10 come
lands of the United States shall be
made a source of revenue by requiring
permits for the use of the public range
or whether the leasing system shall pre-
vail. He said that the federal govern
nent as a land owner had just as strong
a right as private individuals and no
stronger.
Continuing Senator Carter said that
be had asked one delegate to serve on
committee and he had refused, saying
he mad cattle on a public forest range
and if he voted against the interests
Of the forestry bureau his catHe would
be driven from the reservation
Several delegates called out that
that was true and Mr.. Carter said he
wanted to puncture that bubble at
this point. If any forest ranger
should attempt to interfere with any
citizen on account of his use of free
speech, he declared, Mr.. Pinchot
would dismiss him. Mr.. Pinchot. who
was on the platform, endorsed the
statement Of the senator by nodding-
Partisan politics must be barred from
the convention, the chairman con-
-inued. He closed by saying that
whatever course may be determined
10 he right by this convention will be- |
come a law if a new law is necessary
and action would be taken if action is
demanded.