The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-08-15
Forester Insists Upon Restrict.
ing Aggression of Power Mo-
nOpOIy in Western States
Stragetic Points in Streams Sc.
cured by Combination OF
HydrOelectric Companies
Right of LOCatOrs to Fuel Lands
in Alaska Aggregating 10000
Acres Is Disputed
Especial Gable 10 The Call


VVIASHINGTON, Aug. IA
w Two great factors are in
volved in the controversy be-
tween Secretary Of the Interior Bal
linger and Forester Pinchot. One of
them is the question Of restricting the
aggressions of water monopoly and
the other is the question whether or
not gigantic frauds have been COM
mitted in acquiring coal lands in
Alaska
The controversy has reached Presi-
dent Taft, and startling developments
made be expected at any time.
The statement is made by govern
ment officials. based, as they say. upon
Investigations made both by the rec
lamation service and by special agree
mcnts of the interior department, that
the strategic points in st8ams of the
west have been secured by hydro
electric companies to such an extent
as to justify the belief that an enor-
mously rich and powerful conbina-
ton has been effected by comparative
" few men.
State Waters MOnOpoIized
The object of these men is the ulti-
mate control of the last national re-
source for the production of heat,
power and light.
A report has been made to the
president that the water power In
terests have secured control of all
the streams In California except
one.
An announcement was recently made
that the Hartman lines in that state
were to eb electrified in order TO in
crease the freight carrying capacity of
the roads over the Sierra. 1t has been
estimated that One-third Of the freight
carried by the Southern Pacific system
is consumed in transporting the other
two-thirds. That is one-third Of the
freight carrying capacity is consumed
in hauling coal, oil and other supplies
for transporting the other two-thirds.
Appeals Made to President
1t is alleged in reports to the presi-
dent that some of these water power
rights had been acqired at the expense
of private individuals and communities.
which require them for local and do
nestle use.
Similar operations have been re-
ported from all OF the western states.
and the controversy at the national ir-
rigation congress at Spokane has de-
veloped the charge that water power
monopolies have secured control OF
practically all the available water OF
Montana. The president has been in
formed that within i've years no irri-
cation can be conducted on a large
scale in that state without the consent
OF the power companies and without
paying tribute to them.
Coal Land Grab Charged
The activity of the water powper
corporations has aroused the opposition
OF the reclamation service on account
of the conflict over the use OF water.
and strenuous appeals have been made
to the prpespident to protect the water
supply for the use OF irrigation, as.
against the developments Of power
plants by private corporations.
COAL LAND GRAB CHARGED
The second factor in The Ba1linger-
Pinchot controversy is that OF the so
called Cunningham coal land claims OF
Alaska. 1t is said that coal lands
asgregating 10000 acres with .s25O.OOe.-
600 worth of coal in sight have BEEN
acquired by few persons who now
seek to obtain patents from the govern
ment.
These coal lands are in the Cubache
national forest and Forester Pinchot is
understood to be using every EFFORT TO
prevent the passing OF title to the
coterie of locators. The statement Is
made that BaHinger was attorney for
Cunningham, who is owner Of a large
part OF these claims and Ballinger's
enemies lay. great stress on this fact,
Since BaIIinger entered the cabinet.
however. he has not had any private
practice.
1t has been reported to the president
that an extraordinary effort was made
to expedite the passage OF the coal land
titles through the general land ONCE.
Secretary Garfield. it is said. held up
these patents pending rigid invaan-