Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1907-08-22
HAVE BEEN NO
TIMBER FRAUDS
Says Attorney Cen
eral Fallin Inter-
view
TO LOOK INTO ALL REPORTS
Does Not Believe U. S. Can
Make Case Against Alamo
gordo Company

Attorney General A. B. Fall, who left
the Capital last week for trip to chi
huahua. Mexico, is in El Paso on his
return to Santa Fe. Last evenings
FL Paso Herald contains the following
interesting interview with Judge Fall:
"Judge A. B. Fall, attorney general
of New Mexico and general counsel for
w. C. Greene, returned last evening
from brief business trip to Chihua-
hua. Judge Fall has entirely recoV-
cred from his recent illness and en-
ioyed the trip into Mexico.
"Who will be the assistant attorney
general of New Mexico is, Judge Fall
says. a matter for future considera-
ton. Under the laws the district at
tornev of the First district is eX-otficlo
attorney general Of the Territory r.
c.. Gortner filled that position up TO
the time of the Inauguration OF Gov
ernor Curry. He has resigned but no
action has been taken on his resigna-
ton. Mr.. Gortner is still acting as as
sistant attorney general
"The resignation of R. G. Gortner,
district attorney at Santa Fe and eX-
officio attorney general OF New Mex
leo. has been received by Governor
Curry. but no action has been taken
on it., said Judge Fall this morning
Whether or not Governor Curry will
act on the resignation is a question
for future consideration. Until that
time Mr.. Gortner will continue to fill
the Office
No Land Frauds.
"Judge Fall was asked if he intend
ed to investigate the alleged land and
timber frauds in New Mexico.
/" AS far as ! know there are not,
any land and timber frauds in New
Mexico said Judge Fall There have
been some evasions but no cases like
those in Oregon have occurred. When
ethe United States government gave
the Territory land to be disposed OF
for school and public institutions, the
provision was made that lots not to
exceed 100 acres were to be sold to
any individual. The Alamogordo Lum-
Der Company has acquired 10000
acres each by individuals and by them
transferred to the lumber company.
When the land was sold it was known
that it was to be acquired by the lum-
ber company. There was no secret
about it. The territory received
good price for the land, probably more
than it was worth.
U. S. Should Keep Hands OFF.
Since that contract was made
what are called special agents
or detectives of the United
States government have spread
the report that land frauds were oc-
curing in the Territory and as a re-
suit the United States has brought
suit against the lumber company,
the officials of the Territory and the
Territory itself. 1t is my opinion that
the United States should not interfere.
The land was given to the Territory
and | think that the Territory should
have the right to dispose of it as 1t
deems best. | think that the time is
not far off when the dispute be-
tween the government and the Terri
tory will be adjusted
If | should find that land frauds
are being practiced in the Territory
will unhesitatingly prosecute the
violators of the law.
Concerning the reported coal land
frauds will say these lands are owned
by the United States and the law gov
erning their disposal is different from
that governing the sale of the timber
lands which were given the Territory.
In one case where an indictment has
been returned the evidence seems to
be very strong against the defend
ont, ,,