The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1909-11-11

Foremost among them is to adopt a
practical system of leasing the public
grazing lands of the west. Such a re-
form not only would benefit the recla-
nation fund, into which the grazing
| fees would be turned, but it would
bring about numerous changes of poll
itcy and practice for which there is a
rapidly growing demand.
Western senator's and representa-
tives are today more favorable to a
leasing law than at any time since the
subject was first seriously proposed
by President Rooseyelt's public lands
commission. The people of the west
are coming to favor it with almost
unanimous voice They are beginning
to realize that the day of the great cat
tie baron and sheep baron is passing,
and the day of the small owner and
homebuilder has arrived.
Much Land to Be Leased.
1t is roughly estimated that there
are 100000, 900 acres of public grazing
land in the west, which today yields
no revenue, and which likewise is for
the most part without government
regulation of any sort. Presenting
that this estimate is too great, and |
that only 100,000,OO0 acres of grazing
land could be leased under govern
ment supervision, if that land could be |
leased to stockmen at an average cost
of ten cents per acre per annum, the
yield to the reclamation fund would be
100000 more than it now receives
from the sale of public lands Ten
cents an acre is a higher price than
was originally suggested, but when it
IS recalled that the railroad companies
are receiving 81 per acre for the priyi-
ege of grazing some of their range
ands, this figure would not seem ex-
brilliant Ten millions year from
grazing fees is all that is hoped under
he proposed bond issue, and there is
title doubt that a practical grazing
aw, enacted at the coming session of
congress, would yield return some
where in that neighborhood.
West Approves Plan.
Practical western men who have !
discussed the leasing problem with
officials during the past
ummer report that sentiment in favor
the change has developed rapidly in 9
he past year, especially among the {
mailer stockmen. Others not inter- 9
sted in stockraising, but interested in
ne upbuilding of the west are favor =
lg it because it means an increased =
opulation for the range states. A II
asst range occupied by single cattle
aron, is now destitute of settlers;
Omeseekers will not locate in such
ection, for they find it impossible to r
stablish themselves with such sur
bindings That same country placed Q
nder administration, leased at a rea- n
)nable rental for term of years, and q
moderate areas, will invite settle -
ent and afford protection to the \,
nall stCckmen-the men who build
,mes, establish communities, invite
her settlement, and in the end build
} small towns where the evidences
civilization in the way of schools, u
Lurches, good roads, postal service la
i'd the like make their appearance. IN
Most of the western states are now e'
for settlers; yet their great HI
t areas now destitute of homes are
ose given over to the livestock in tie
stry. Only recently vast areas in by
e grazing states have been set apart as
r entry under the dry farm act, I'M ke
r which 320-acre homesteads may be pc
ken. The lands adapted to dry q
rm culture lie adjacent to the less 10
luable grazing lands, and the more "a
sirable areas are those along "a
'eams and rivers whose waters are
situated as to be unadapted to irri- tn
ton development. 81
Great Development Anead. {"
By building up communities in this 81
lntry and controlling the range I'M Gu
r leasing system, the advocates of IN
S advanced idea see ahead great de- III
Iopment for the states wherein dry Pc
m possibilities are found. Eastern
egon and Washington, many parts De
Idaho, much of Montana, Wyoming I'd
d Colorado and Northern Nevada, III
izona and New Mexico would be de-
oped by such system, and in like oil
inner the states now most in need en-
money for irrigation would receive ke
necessary funds from grazing
S. on
or not leasing law will be gu
ssed at the coming session depends
gely upon the amount of effort put sh
tn to secure its passage. 1t is a lul