The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1910-12-08
Conservation Address.

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subject of conservation so far as it
was within the jurisdiction and pos
sible action of the federal government
in that address I assembled from the
official records the statistics and the
facts as to what had been done in this
behalf in the administration of my
predecessor and in my own. and indi-
Gated the Legislative measures which
l believed to be wise in order to Sc
cure the best use, in the public in
terest, of what remains of our nat
ional domain. There was in this ad-
dress very full discussion of the
reasons which led me to the conclus-
ions stated. For the purpose of saw
! ing in an official record a comprehen-
sive resume of the statistics and facts
gathered with some difficulty in that
address, and to avoid their repetition
in the body of this message, | ven
ture to make the address an accom-
panying appendix. The statistics are
corrected to November Is, last.
Specific Recommendations.
For the reasons stated in the conser-
walton address, recommend.
First, that the limitation now i'm
posed upon the executive which for
reserving more forest lands in Ore
gon, Washington, Idaho, Montana,
Colorado, and Wyoming, be repealed.
Second that the coal deposits of the
government be leased after advertise
mont INVITING compatitiva hide for
terms not exceeding so years, with a
minimum rental and royalties upon
the coal mined, to be re-adjusted ev-
cry 10 or IL years, and with condi-
tions as to maintenance which will
secure proper mining and as to as
signment which will prevent combina-
tions to monopolies control of the coal
in any one district or market. / dc
not think that coal measures under
$500 acres of surface would be toe
large an amount to lease to any one
bids his reserving more forest lands
in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Mont
ana, Colorado and Wyoming, be re-
pealed.
The Secretary of the Interior
thinks there are difficulties in the
way OF leasing public coal lands,
which objections he has set forth in
his report, the force of which l free
ly concede. | entirely approved his
stating at length in his report the
objections in order that the whole
subject may be presenter to Con-
gress, but after a full consideration
favor a leasing system and rec
ommend it.
Third, that the law should provide
the same separation in respect to gov
eminent phosphate lands of surface
and mineral rights that now obtains
in coal lands and that power to lease
such lands upon terms and limitations
similar to those above recommended
for coal leases, with an added condi'
ticn enabling the government to reg
ulate, and If need be to prohibit, the
export to foreign countries of the pro
duct
Fourth, that the law should allow
a prospector for oil or gas TO have
the right to prospect for two years
over q certain tract OF government
land. the right to be evidenced by {
license for which he shall pay small
sum; and that upon discovery, lease
may be granted upon terms securing
a minimum rental and proper royal
ties to the government, and also Tho
conduct Of the oil or gas well III ac
cord with the best method for nus
banding the supply of oil in the dis
trict. The period of the leases should
not be as long as those of coal, bu
they should contain similar provisions
as to assignment to prevent monopo'
listic combinations.
Fifth. that waterpower sites be dl
rectly leased by the federal govern
ment, after advertisement and biddlns
for not exceeding 80 years upon
proper rental and with condition
fixing rates charged to the public fol
units of electric power, both renta
and rates to be readjusted equitabll
every 10 years by arbitration or ON
erwise, with suitable provisions
against assignment to prevent monop
olistic combinations. Or, that the law
shall provide that upon appiicauoi
made by the authorities of the Stat'
where the waterpower site is sltuat
ed it may be patented to the State OF
condition that the State shall dispose
of il under terms like those just des
cribed and shall enforce these terms
or upon failure to comply with th'
condition the waterpower site and al
the plant and improvement on the STU
shall be forfeited and revert to thu
United States, the President being CIV
en- the mower to declare the forfeiture
and to direct legal proceedings TO
it's enforcement. Either of thes'
methods would, think, accomplish
the proper public purpose in respec
to waterpower sites, but one or th'
other should be promptly adopted
Valuation of Railroads.
The Interstate Commerce Commits
sion has recommended appropriation
for the purpose of enabling it to en-
ter upon a valuation of all railroads
This has always been within the jur
isdiction of the commission, but TIM
requisite funds have been wanting
Statistics Of the value of each railroad
would be valuable for many purposes
especially il we ultimately enact an!
limitations upon the power OF the In
terstate railroads to issue stocks an(