New-York tribune., 1910-01-06


These objects, TO provide for prompt ac-
0ulsition and for a proper distribution OF
cost may be met by the creation of al state
annual cont tributions iols tn snixinp FIND ade
quate to discharge both interest and the
tinlI tbirlncipal at maturity. Under the constitu-
oesire the forest policy of the state to be
carried out promptly and without unneces-
should be thus provided If in the case of
tne highlands park the necessary appro-
halations are to be provided for by bond
issue. and If under the constitution, despite
tne close relation in policy of the two in
Sa aeSstments, separate submissions 70 the pee,
probably be considered advisable, in view
OF the contributions which private individu-
aus nave offered. to give preference to the
postpone to another year the submission of
the creation of debt for forest purchases.
may be deemed wise to make provision for
the carving out of the plans for develop
ing sha ahe de OF R9 R 10
paratively short period, if these matters re-
ceive prompt consideration and the people
approve. the state may be put in posi-
tion to care for all these interests in a
manner worthy of their Importance and its
own dignity, and according to the approved
financial methods which a large business
concern would adopt in. its own case.
The great progress that has been made
protecting the forests from fire is most
gratifying, and not only should the present
stringent regulations be maintained. but all
additional protection which may be found
practicable should be provided Continued
eneogrageme9t should be given TO tree tree
should be extended as rapidly as our means
will Hips permit nit .,o .uoatnon+ % our
forest possessions | repeat what / said in
my last annual message:
''Our present constitutional provision, in
so far as 1t prevents the proper care aefarei and
with its own object. The time must short
~ come when no longer having reason to
fear the grasp of the selfish hand ana
having settled the inviolability OF the pub
lie interest in our priceless forest posses
sons, we shall make possible their sclen-
tific protection and their proper utlzatoll
for the public benefit. We may thus not
cnly secure needed advantages IN safe
guarding streams and industrial pow
er. but we may also properly promote the
health and enjoyment of the people we
shall not realize the full beneht OF these
great resources until we not only preserve
our forests by intelligent treatment but
also by means of suitable roads and wen
kept trails we make our mountain pleas
ure grounds, under wise regulations pro-
tecting woodland and natures beauty, more
accessible to our people and render avail
able to the many the inVigorauon ana the
Inspiration which few may now enjoy
But in making any change in the con-
stitution with respect to the forest preserve
extreme caution is needed The presehJ
provision represents an effective protest ana
barrier against schemes of spoliatlon, and
II will not be and should not be changed
for improved forestry methods without
complete assurance that the amendments,
biguity. will not prepare the way LOT ni,-s4e s4e
subjection of the public domain 70 pr1Sa;tS
triess Enterprises IN their heir anxiety for immediate
gains at the expense of the future, coun-
tenance destructive and Wasteful methodS
in place of scientific nurture and conseTNa-
ton SO long must we protect from falling
in any way under similar control tne
neighboring public forests, for Whieh tney
would certainly not be more So1cltouS.
Until standards of administration with eX-
elusive regard for the public beneht are
ment. so that in adopting a permaner
forest policy we may feel sure tnat
strong and constant public demand Will :
ford reasonable protection against the ziI'- ~
sidious attacks of those who look greedlly
upon the public treasures and against the
efforts to male public officerS serve e,,ars IIe
we must maintain our barriers, even at lle
less of some advantages -,-,...
There is general agreement that provision
should be made to give authority for the
sale of lands which though within the pre-
serve are wholly outside the boundaries or
the Adirondack and Catskili parks. IN
many cases it would be well if these should
be exchanged for, or sold and the proceeds
INVESTED n properties Wiii otbers me matters de-
sired objects should be so speclhed ana
limited that the precise maater ter {o 10 nsorIy oe aT
perceived, strictly defined ana an improper
invasion of the forests of the state made
impossible.
WATER POWERS.
The Water Supply Commission is about
to make most important report Of the re-
suit of its Investigations under the act or
1907 relating to the development or the
water powers cf the state An exhaustive
e3amina ton with the assistance of COM
netent engineers, has been made OF the
Hudson, Genesee and Racquette river
watersheds. -Four great reservoir projects
1iraSl &c
detail with regard to location and design or
cams and power plants. lands lnvolxed'
Additional studies have been made of ether
rivers which have Importance as sources OF
power Facts with regard TO TO 3iffaran{ GSisrlns
streams and the probable results OF ad-
oitional development and the market Tor
increased power have been carefully aScer-
tanned.
plete regulation of the HUDSON Rlver VII VIII
raise the present minimum flow of the river
in a dry year from 800 cubic feet sec
ond TO a minimum of 4,6t1 cubic feet at
Spiers Falls, and that with this increased
flow and with full advantage of all power
possibilities the present development could
be increased by 246,0o0 horsepower. 1t IS
said that a low rate for the increased
power would not only provide an adequate
carrying charge for a complete system, but
4 considerable additional revenue TO the
state. One of the projects relating to the
Hudson development Is that upon the
SdcdnudBd, lhe COSt VI :" Will III 1IiC -
stage, which can be dealt with separately.
is estimated at 4650,000. Its effect would
be to add 1900 cubic feet a second regu-
lated flow to the river and an estimated
increase of power upon a conservative
basis of $500 horsepower. At 50 horse
power this would provide a sum sufficient
to give a considerable revenue in addition
TO the annual charge for interest, sinking
fund and maintenance This apparently
would not involve the use of the present
forest preserve property of the state.
1t is impossible here to state with any
degree of fuiness the interesting results of
these important studies with respect to
oprnents in connection with the rivers of
the state and their advantage TO the state.
Some OF the projects involve the use Of
portion of the land within the forest pre-
serve. But 1t is said that in all only $4,000
acres of land now owned by the state, in
(out Of about 100000 acres owned by the
state). would be involved by the construc-
ton of all the reservoirs which ii would
be practicable TO construct in the A!irOn-
dacks, and this includes many possible res
eryoirs which ii would not he necessary or
economical to build. Excluding the land
under water, the greater part of the re-
rnainder of these 43. 600 acres is described
low sWampy and valueless, and only about
5000 acres Is said to be really timber land
The investigation has proceeded far
enough to raise the question as to the
action which should be taken by the state,
and | commend this subject to your most
careful consideration. The following prin-
ciples should believe. be accepted
"a That the flow of water in our rivers
should be regulated and our water powers
developed to the fullest extent that may
be practicable.
This is essential to prevent unnecessary