Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1907-02-12
WOULD PROTECT
HOMESEEKERS
Roosevelt Outlines Policy
Relative to Grazing
Lands

control of grazing lands of the public
| domain and the interests of large and
small cattlemen and the sheepmen and
the ecect Of protection of stock men
upon homesteaders were considered
yesterday at a public hearing before
the senate committee on agriculture.
The hearing was had on an amend
ment by Senator Burkett. of Nebraska,
authorizing the secretary of agricul-
ture to distribute the unreserved land
and charge and collect reasonable
fee for grazing.
The cattlemen were represented by
members of the American National
Livestock association, who favored the
measure. while the sheeprnen. repre-
j scented by members of the National
Wool Growers association, opposed it.
| President Arraignes Sheepmen.
1 During the proceedings letter from
/ President Roosevelt addressed to Sem
dloi " was ISdu II 6IluOFS0u
general control by the government of
! grazing lands, but insisted upon the
protection of the homesteaders, and
arraigned the sheepmen severely.
The cattlemen and sheepmen criti-
cised each other and defended their
own motives. The cattlemen made no
defense of the charges that they had
been violators of the law and the
sheepmen asserted that it was neces-
sary for fencers of public lands to
make their peace with the government
for they would be convicted if ever
brought to trial"
Says All Stockmen Guilty.
A. E. Dericqpeles Of the American
National Livestock association, out
lined the position Of the cattlemen in
favor of the government control and
then called upon the individual cattle-
men for statesments
J. M. Boardman, of Helena. Mont.
asserted that every cattleman had
violated laws in regard to fencing.
why, If you want to get the list Of
violators, Just take the membership |
Of khe Cattlemenfs association" he |
said
'Tncluding YOURSELF" asked Chair
man Proctor.
YES, but / have taken my fences
down." replied Mr.. Boardman.
Presidents Roosevelt's Letter.
The presidents letter to Senator
Warren follows:
"The White House, Washington.
February II, 1907,
my Dear Senator Warren: In ac-
cordance with our recent conyersa-
ton, | am very glad to send YOU this
short statement of my position regard
ing government control of the range
l am fully in accord with your view I
that the local control of the range
should be in the hands of Western
men familiar with stock raising, and
! believe in full local participation in
the management of range land or 4
course. you must not divide the re-
sponsioility to point where you can
hold no one responsible, but co-onera-
ton between the stockmen and the
governments officers is absolutely es-
sential.
Favors Small GRAZING Fees.
The grazing fees should be small
especially so at first. l am anx;ous
that the government should get net
revenue from grazing on the public
range, but only enough to nav for
and improvements ana
any surplus might well 90 to the
states and territories after the neea =
ire collected. II
AS soon as bill for range control q
passed. 1t goes without saying that In
'uch control should not be taken bur-
'iedly but gradually as grazing dis
riots can be organised. There h one 9
prime essential In this policy Of range "
homesteader must ~ IL
'rotected in his rights to create = a
home for his family. and he must have '
range rights are necersa-
or that purpose.
Wants Fences Renewed. a
It Is unlawful at present to fence lie
he public domain. All fences uDiaw. Ii
uly maintained will have To h ..,,,n "A
own Unless congress takes act,or
0 legaiize reasonable ana necessary
encing through government con.ro,
{ the range there win be a very seri- ;
Us loss to stoclmen throurhout The !.
Vest whose business IN many cases
annot be conducted without ,anc,nn