The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1910-09-09

AVWcO great CoTpOratlOn6 TO dcC as though
shey were individuals and to exercise the
rights Of individuals, in addition to using
the vast combined power Of high organi-
Eation and enormous wealth for their own
advantage. This development of corpo-
cate action, 1t is true. is doubtless in
large part responsible for the gigantic de-
velopment Of our natural resources. but It
is not less responsible for waste. .destruc-
ton, and monopoly on an equally gigantic
scale.
The method Of reckless and uncon-
trolled private use and waste has done
for US all the good 1t ever can, and it is
time to put an end to It before It does all
the evil 1t easily may. We have passed
the time when needless waste and de-
struction. and ,arrogant monopoly, arc
any longer permissible. Henceforth we
must seek National efficiency by a new
and better way. by the way Of the or
derby development and. use, coupled with
the preservation, Of our natural resources
by making the most Of what we have for
the beneht Of all Of US, instead Of leaving
the sources Of material prosperity open
to indiscriminate exploitation. These are
some Of the reasons why It is wise that
we should abandon the old point Of view,
and why conservation has become q pa
triotic duty.
Waterways Development.
One Of the greatest Of our conservation
problems is the wise and prompt develop.
ment and use Of the waterways of this
Nation. The Twin Cities lying as they
do at the headwaters of the Mississippi
are not upon the direct line Of the pro-
posed lakes to the gulf deep waterway.
Yet they are deeply interested in its
prompt completion, as we'll as in the
deepening and regulation Of the Missis-
sippi to the mouth Of the Missouri and to
the gulf. The project for a great trunk
waterway, an arm Of the sea, extending
from the Gulf Of Mexico to the Great
Lakes. should not be abandoned. The
lakes to the gulf deep waterway. and
the development Of the rivers which flow
into It, should be pushed to completion
vigorously and without delay.
In nearly every river city from st. Paul
to the gulf the waterfront is controlled
by the railways. Nearly every artificial
waterway in the United States. either d.
rectlv or indirectly. is under the same
control. It goes without saying that (un-
less the peoole prevent 1t in advance) the
railways will attempt to take control Of
our waterways as fast as they are i'm
proved and completed nor would blame
them. II we, the people. are supine in the
matter. We must see to 1t that adequate
terminals are provided in every city and
town on every improved waterway. termi-
nails open under reasonable conditions to
the use Of every citizen. and rigidly pro-
tected AGAINST monopoly; and we must
compel the railways to cooperate with
the waterways continuously. effectively,
and under reasonable conditions Unless
we do SO the railway lines will refuse to
deliver freight to the boat lines, either
openly or by imposing prohibitory condi-
tons. and the waterways once improved
will do comparatively little for the bene-
at Of the people who pay the bill. ~
ADEQUATE terminals properly controlled
and open through lines by rail and boat
are two absolutely essential conditions to
the usefulness Of inland waterway devel-
opment. believe furthermore that the
railways should be prohibited from own
Ing controlling. or carrying anylinterest
In the boat lines on our rivers. unless
under the str'ctest regulation and control
OF the Interstate Commerce Commissfoini..
90 that the shippers interests may, be
fully. protented. Y
Tho National Forests.
II any proof were needed that forest
protection is National duty, the recent
destruction Of forests in the west by fire
would supply 1t. Even with the aid Of
the army added Ito. that Of the forest
service the loss has been severe. with
out either It would have been vastly
greater 2 81
But tho forest service does more than
protect the National forests against Are
It makes them practically and increasing.
~ useful as well. During the last year
for which have the figures the National
forests were used by 1900 cattlemen
with their herds. 5000 sheepmen with
their ,hocks, 5000 :timbermen with their
crews. and 5000 miners. More than
900 persons used them for other special
industries. Nearly $4,000 settlers had
the free use of wood. The total resident
population Of the National forests is
about quarter Of million, which Is
larger than the population Of certain
states. More than 10000 acres Of ar-
itcultural land have been patented or
Listed for patent within the forests. and
the reports Of the forest officers show
that more than 10000 people q year usa
the forests for recreation. camping. hunt
ing. fishing. and similar, purposes. lAil
this IL done. OF course, withunt in1ury 10
tne timber. which has value of AZ least
q Thousand million 'dollira! Moreover, G
ne National forests protect the water
supply Of Q thousand cities ma toVns.
tbout go irrigation rrojects and. u,ore
taan 40 Dover projects. not scountins
the use OF water for these ana otSsr nI,r.
tosss ~ indivtduas settlers ~ 49,. .ss
Country Lie slhS4l tits. u.s. .S
The investigations Of the Country Iifa
g Slss Il seSSE I'll q
country 70 realize that they have not b1Sns
,9sftirg their fair share sof prosrssa ana