New-York tribune., 1907-09-01
WHY COAL IS LACKING.
Blame Put on Private Land O7Cners
Not the Government.
From The Tribune Bureau. ]


Washington, Aug. 31.-"The acreage OF coal ianos
already in private ownership is sufficient II de-
veoped, meet the requirements OF a vastly IN
creased population for many years to come put II
is not being developed in proportion to the increas-
ing demand" said Judge Balnger, Commissioner
of the General Land Office who has just returned
from an extensive trip in the public land area OF
the West
Some people charge the government with being
responsible for the coal shortage Of last winter
but actual cause of the shortage was the rail-
of the mine owners to anticipate the increased
facilities.
''I am convinced that If the United States had
parted with every acre of its vacant coal lanos we
would to-day be confronted with substantially the
same problem OF ina dequacy or mine supply. f-A-
perience shows that fast It is attempted TO
open new mines they are controlled oy tne strong
companies, who have sufficient capital to controi
the cars and the rates--an6 I speak somewhat
from unfortunate personal experience ana there-
fore with greater wisdom.
THE dormant speculative holders of coal areas
will contribute nothing to the general good On
the contrary. they make possible the enhancement
Of the price Of fuel by limiting the supply Under
existing laws there be restriction imposed
on the titles patented by the government TO the
coal lands. Hence there is nothing TO prevent
their falling into the hands OF big spectators
big companies. and their public necessities
are greatly impaired. The reasons which
suggest the necessity Of preserving the forests and
the navigabe streams and water supplies as public
utilities exist equally il the conservation of
naming coal deposits"
In reply 10 a question as TO the extent OF the
naming public coal lands Judge Balllnger said:
The total area OF public lands withdrawn from
entry on March t. 1907. known or probable coal
lands amounted to 100000 acres but in this area
were 25 100000 which had been patented on
which patents were pending, leaving total of ap-
proximatey 100000 vacant and unappro-
priated 1t Is noteworthy. too that of the 25o00OOO
sought TO be patented less than 10000
were entered under the coal land law. In other
words. It sought 70 obtain title to coal lands
under some other form Of entry
There now remain about 81 100000 acres Of coal
lands which open to settlement. but % 100000
Ignite and low grade COAL SO that of the
high grade coal only about 100000 acres remain
Under the present rulings OF the Interior Depart
rnent the settler on lands which the geological
survey has declared 90 be within the coal
must prove that they not coal lands or else
make his entry under the coal land law. Under
that law he is charged not less than SO so
acre the lesser price where the lands are more
remote from a railroad. But the maximum price
asked for coal lands. and this only for the high
est grade Of coal. is S5 acre. and even at that
Il is open claimants at a merely nominal price"
How is the government to conserve che few re-
naming of coal lands the best advantage?'
That is large problem. and 1 cannot answer
oThand. Undoubtedly there should be some addi-
tlona! legislation and the President the Secretary
of the Interior and Congress VIII have 10 give the
subject the most careful considerati and study
before the best legislation can be framed"
Were you pleased with the conditions as you
found them in the land offices in the West?"
Judge Ballinser thought for some Time before
answering the question. Then he said:
Yes and You know. there is always room
for Improvement. but there many honest. faith
ful in the public land service. The scheme OF
making the inspectors special agents. and every :
special agent inspector which has been inaugu-
rated under Secretary GARFIELD. Is working well /,
and will / believe. make for the efficiency OF the
service"