Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1908-03-05

come from the increased
growth and prosperity of our people. For
Adequate funds should be provided, by
bond issue if necessary. and the work
should be delayed no longer: The develop
ment of our waterways and the conserva-
ton of our forests are the two most
pressing physical needs of the country.
They are interdependent. and they should
The questions of organization. powers and
appropriations are now before the con-
gress. There is urgent need for prompt
Theodore Roosevelt.
February. 26. 19OS..
Portions Of Report.
In its report. h commission says n
part:
The possibilities of inland navigation are
indicated by the fact that there are in
mainland United States some 5000 miles
of nav.gated rivers and at least an equal
amount which are navigable or might be
some $500 miles Of navigable canals. and
over $500 miles of sounds, bays and bayous
readily connectable ~ canals a~ggregating
less than 1000 miles in length to form in
ner passages Iaralleling the Atlantic and
gulf c~oasts-these being additional to some
thousands of miles (reckoned between
waters IN lakes and land locked bays.
Although 1t is not probable that any con-
siderable share Of this vast mileage Of
navigable waterways will be improved to
a high standard of efficiency at least at an
early date. yet the assured growth of the
country and the capacity of these waters
not only for navigation but for other uses
render imperative the necessity for their
control and utilization as an asset of all
most value 1t Is desirable that
these waterways, Of which portions have
been surveyed or improved for purpose
of navigation, should be further investi-
gated with q view to the systematic de-
velopment of interstate in CO.
ordination with all other uses of the
waters and benefits to be derived from
them.
While the railways of mainland United
tending and promoting the production and
commerce OF the country, it is clear shat
at seasons recurring with increasing fire.
quency they are unable to keep pace with
production or to meet the requirements OF
transportation.
While navigation Of the inland water:
transportation during the later decades
of the past century, 1t has become clear
that the time is at hand for restoring and
developing such inland navigation m
water transportation as upon expert ex-
animation may appear to confer a benefit
commemorate with the cost. to be utilized
junct to rail transportation.
Recommendations.
We recommend that hereafter plans for
the improvement of navigation in inland
waterways. or for any use of these water
m ways IN sb eGnh fafe acc w,1n , IN ths peri Hom-
AAAS OAAN@A @AsAS VI &AS
ton of the waters. the development of
power. the control of floods, the rec.ama-
ton Of lands by irrigation and drainage.
and all other uses of the waters or bene-
fits to be derived from their control.
That hereafter both local and general
benefits to the people shall be fully con-
sidered In any such plans for the improve
ment of navigation in inland waterways.
or for any use of these waterways in con-
nection with interstate and
that wherever practicable federal agen-
c.es shall cooperate with state, munic.-
pa!ities. communities, corporations. and
individuals with a view to an equitable
That hereafter any plans for the navi-
cation or other use of inland waterways
in connection with interstate commerce
shall take full account of transfer facili-
ties and sites, and of the location Of
tracks, grades. bridges, DAMS. depots. and
other works on navigable and source
alton between waterway and railway ia
cilities for the promotion of
and the benefit Of the people "a,
land waterways shall take account of the
present and prospective relation of rail
lines to such waterways, and shall ascer-
ways when improved will be effectively
used in the face of railway competition;
and that the relations between railways
and waterways be further examined with
the purpose Of devising means Of render
ing the two systems Complementary and
harmonious and making such fair division
OF CraIIlC mat rates ana management may
be co-ordinated economically and with
benefit to the country.
The adoption. OF means for ascertaining
regularly all facts related to traffic on
the inland waterways, and for publishing
the same in a form suitable for general
use.
The adoption of means for ascertaining
and rendering available, at such rate as
to meet public necessities. all requisite
data related to the physical character and
general utility Of the navigable and source
streams of the country.
hat the congress be asked to make
suitable provision for improving the In
land waterways Of the United States at
q rate commensurate with the needs of
the people as determined by competent
authority; and we suggest that such pro-
vision meet these requisites, viz: Expert
framing Of a definite policy: certainty of
continuity and coordination of plan and
work; expert initiative in the choice of
projects and the succession of works;
freedom In selection of projects in accord
ance with terms of cooperation; and the
widest opportunity for applying modern
business methods.
That the congress be asked to authorize
the generalization and proper development
of existing public service connection with
actment might provide that the president
of the United States be authorized. with
!, the advice and consent of the Senate, to
appoint and organize a national water.
ways commission to bring into co-ord.na-
! ton the corps Of engineers OF the army
the bureau OF soils. the forest service. the
Z bureau OF corporations, the reclamation
! service and other branches Of the public
service In 30 far as Their work relates to
inland waterways, and that he be auth.
0rized to make such details and require
/ such. duties from these branches Of the