The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1908-02-13
The Retaining of Swamp Lands.

A vast scheme for retaining
swamp lands for human habitation in
the Central and Southeastern states,
is proposed to Pres. Roosevelt by
Secretary of the Interior James r.
Garfield, in his annual report.
"There are about 100000 acres of
swamp lands in these states says the
secretary. ut is feasible to drain
much of this land and provide homes
for thousands of families. ! believe
it is possible to adopt a plan, we'll
within the powers OF Congress, which
will permit the Federal government
TO undertake this work, and | most
earnestly urge the early consideration
of all phases of the problem
Finding that the government can
not induce private individuals TO open
up any of the 10000, 600 acres of pub
lie coal lands in the west SO long as
the law restricts holding to loo
acres by one person or to 800 acres
by an association or corporation, Sec
Garfield now proposes that the gov
eminent retain the title to the coal
and lease the lands in larger tracts
for development. This, he says, IS
the surest way to avoid the evils of
monopolistic control by private inter
ests.
There is growing sentiment, Mr..
Garfield SAYS, in favor of the enforced
ment of the Land laws, He recon-
mends the repeal of the Timber ana
Stone act, and says:
"The SHOWS and water in the great
mountain ranges of the west contain
power enough to turn millions OF
wheels, to irrigate millions OF acres,
to furnish water supply to hundreds
of cities If these waters are permit
ted to be acquired by private interests
then gene rations to come Will pay
tribute for the use of water when
should be preserved as public utility
not private privilege. The use and
preservation of the fuel and timber
supply are of equal Importance. II
we are to guard the future OF our
country the supply of timber and fuel
must uot be left wholly to private en-
terprise, which necessarily looks to
its own gain rather than the pubic
need or good"
Industrial education for the Indians
is advocated. There are now over
101 900 members of the Five C1vlllzed
Tribes. A plan is put forth for re-
moving the restrictions on their lana
50 they can sell much of 1t TO the
whites for oil and mineral develop
/ ment.
At the beginning of the present
year there were 967, 81 pensioners on
| the rolls, of whom 679,937 were SOL
diers and sailors, 2S6, 1872 were widows
and dependents, and 542 were army
nurses. This was the smallest mum
Der of pensioners since 1893. The
war with Spain added $4,000 to the
| lists The pensions amount to S14,-
J 600, 900 year. The government has
paid out since July /, 1890, for pen
sions nearly $4,000, 900, 900.
I Over 1910, 900 acres of arid land are
being reclaimed by the government
in the west.
New Mexico Territory has 100000
population, and, according to the
secretary, is almost entirely free
from lawessness. Hawaii is prosper
Gus and self-supporting. Its harbors
need improving.
"There must be" says Mr.. Garfield,
"a closer relationship between the
federal government and Hawaii.
The Pacific is now a centre of COM
mercial and political activity. These
islands being the middle ground be-
tween the Philippines and our main
land, must be developed and protect
ed to the highest degree. They are
on the line Of one of the great trade
routes of the world. Their people are
loyal, self-respecting, independent
citizens of the United States, and
should be made to appreciate that
citizenship is something more than
mere name.