The Washington herald., 1910-06-07

The Senate devoted most of the session
yesterday to the consideration Of one OF
the administrations conservation bills, a
measure that authorizes the President to
make Withdrawals OF public lands when
ever. IN his judgment. the public interest
requires it. and providing that he shall
report 10 Congress at the beginning or
each session a list of the Withdrawals
made pursuant 10 the act.
Senator Nelson. OF Minnesota, chairman
OF the Committee on Public Lands, who
reported the measure 10 the Senate. oecn-
pied the floor most OF the afternoon ex-
planning its provisions, defending Secre-
tary Ballinger and the conservation policy
Of the present administration. and con-
demning the Clifford Pinchot school OF
conservation.
Several Western Senators opposed the
BILL Senator Nelson explained that the
bin did not confer any additional power
upon the President. He said the Presi-
dent already had all the power which the
bill proposed to give him, and that the
bill merely made the power specific, and,
instead OF charging the executive author
. Att III the matter OF Nkl1uEdWdiSs SIMPLY
placed a limitation upon IT,
4 am somewhat surprised at the at
titude Of Senators who contend that this
bill confers a dangerous power on the
President" said Senator Nelson. he de-
Tended the bill and declared that If the
President had not exercised the power
of withdrawal IN the past, the people OF
the United States would find themselves
in the matter of sites for fortiheations.
naval stations. and other public works
IN the same distressing position that they
are IN regard 10 sites for public buildings
in the District OF Columbia.
what a pity" exclaimed Senator Mel
son, that in the early days OF the Re-
public ample reservations were not made
of public lands IN the District OF Column
bia for public uses. Millions OF dollars
could have been saved TO the government
which is now put to the necessity OF
paying high prices for real estate. the
value Of which the government itself has
contributed the most to enhance"
Two Kinds OF Conservation.
There are two kinds of conservation,
he said. There is a conservation that
ties up the natural resources and which
would retard development by this genera
ton There IS another conservation
which would. I believe, utilize our natural
resources, and at the same time prevent
monopoly, There viii be water power in
this country to meet all the needs OF
future generations. There need be no
fear about exhausting our water supply;
so long as there is precipitation there
VIII be water power"
The Senator said that he had observed
conditions In Alaska while on a visit 10
the Territory few years ago. He found
that the people OF Alaska, with an ampis
supply Of coal at their very doors, were
compelled to import coal from Australia,
British Columbia, and California. II a
miner or prOspectOT wanted TO cut
small piece of timber to aid him in the
work of mining. he must needs consult a
forest officer.
There had not been a single patent IS
sued for coal lands in Alaska. He de-
clsred that II the restrictions were re-
moved Alaska could be developed and
made one OF the most prosperous of our
Territories. Alaska is now in a strait
Jacket" he concluded.
Senator Nelson was the only speaker
on the conservation bill yesterday. II IS
evident that the debate will be prolonged,
and that the conservation bill will meet
with determined opposition.
Il was nearly 3 O'Clock when Senator
Nelson concluded his remarks. and the
Senate went into executive session, and
soon afterward adjourned until noon to-
day,