New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-19
PLEA FOR ACKNOWLEDGES.
Charles Sprague Smith Says Forests
Must Be Preserved

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir l have read with interest a long communi-
cation from the representatives of those interests
that are seeking to secure the passage Of bill
through the Legislature securing to private
porstions certain water privileges in the Adiron-
daCks.
The charge is made that the opposition to the
bill comes III the main from a group Of large land
holders, and that the claim that the people are in
terested is purely shield to protect these monopo-
lzers Of the forest domain
I nave known the Adirondacl,s for a long period
Of years. My earliest visits there when II
sJill In its native wIldncss. the region inac-
cessble by trails the woods densey covering
it the very lake shores. and Offering an oppor-
tunity for park reservation unparalleled in
beauty anywhere in the Old World. In more re
cent visits have observed with great distress the
ruthless devastation Of the forests by the lumber
and pulp companies the cutting down especially of
all deCiduous trees. and the allowing through
Careessness, Of fires, kinGIed by passing locomo-
tves or in other ways. TO render utterly barren,
probably forever barren. hillsdes that were once
beautiful with their mantle of virgin forest.
My acquaintance. somewhat superficial indeed
with forestry conditions in the Old World has
brought vividIy before the lack of foresight on
the part of the state and the part Of indi-
vIdual owners. In allowing such destruction Of
northern woods. Spain. Greece and other lands
the victims OF long drouths and parched fields
resulting from the decreasing Of wide areas. Ger
many and France carefully guarding, and even
restoring forests In the Black Forest, which was
my home for many weeks a year and half ago.
the woods are guarded with jealous care. No pri-
Vate individual is allowed Eell a tree. even
his own property, without authorization from the
state. The state considers that the guardianship
OF It's forests means the regulation of the rainfall
and OF It's proper distribution, the maintenance of
such conditions of climate shall be conducive to
productive agriculture
The plea that monopoistic selfish interests are
alone holding back northern woods and lakes
and that the interests Of the people not con
ctrned at all is utterly speCious / do not want 10
charge any person with wiful misstatement but
the charge is either wilfully made is proof of
exceeding unintelligenCe Whether the holders OF
private parks in the North Woods moved pri-
marily by selfish causes not, their interests, in
the present instance Identical with those Of the
people The forest must be preserved, restored; the
needs OF all the people. We have abundant proof
from the past to what manufacturing interests
Will do II they allowed TO invade that domain.
Their view Is always utterly shortsighted. The
morrow IS OF no concern 10 them. one forest desc
lated. one region made unproductive they turn to
another, and Will continue to turn long the
state. In It's imprOvdenCe. allows private greed TO
usurp the place OF public interest.
The people are concerned in the preservation Of
the North Woods. primarily because the preserva-
state; Eecondarty, too because the region is and
VIII become more and more great pleasure and
health resort, not merely for the few Of large
means. but also for the multitude. | understand
that II Is to-day the resort of hundreds OF
thousands. II not OF a million What will become
VIII be allowed TO mOnopOZe the vast tracts or
not, is a question for the future 10 decide. The
immediate concern OF the present Is that riCidy
the state FOR tie interests OF all the people. safe
guard what can stiN be safeGuarded. Sincerely
yours CHARLES SPRAGUE SMITH
New York oh