The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1910-05-26

ed that the continuity of the flow of
water is intimately associated with
the forest and its deep leaf mold,
which stores up water, and gives it
out gradually in the form of springs
keeping up the flow of water, through
the low water months.
At the conclusion of the hearing,
several of the scientists shook hands
with Mr.. Plumley observing that he
had deeper knowledge of scientific
subjects than many who are accus-
toned to write Doctor of Science aft
er their names.
The report of Messrs. Plumley and
Lever says in conclusion;
| The testimony before the commit
tee is abundant and convincing to the
effect that the destruction of forests
| in the Southern Appalachians and
White Mountains is going on at an
alarming rate. Wasteful and unset
entific numbering, followed by forest
fires, the effort to cultivate lands up
on the steep slopes of the mountains,
are serving to bring about condi-
ton which, unless checked, must inc
vitality result in the exhaustion of
the timber supply of the South and
East, the destruction of their SPLEEN
did water powers, and ultimately in a
serious hindrance to the navigation of
our inland waterways.
Your committee believes there is
no more important bill before this
body than this which we here report
1t involves the agricultural, indus
trial, and commercial future of the
sections to which it is most Immediate
ly directed. Its favorable considera-
ton is urged by as large a number
of nizations-business, scientific,
and civic-as ever gave support to
.any proposition pending before us.
Favor is asked for it by the business
Interests of the country, which recog-
IniZe that a continuance of industrial
development for the future must de-
pend upon the conservation rather
than upon the exploitation of our ma
tional resources. 1t is supported by
a class of people whose achievements
make up the industrial glory of the
Nation and whose Judgment, there
fore, is entitled to the most serious
and patient consideration.
No organization of any kind, no
committee, legislative or otherwise,
no body of men, legislative or other
wise, has ever acted otherwise than
favorably upon the principles involv-
ed in this bill. Numerous Senate and
House committees of this Congress
hsve reported it favOrably to their re-
ispective bodies. Three times it pass
ed the Senate, and in the last Congress
passed the House by a substantial
majority. Three Presidents, McKin-
ley, Roosevelt, and Taft, have been
it's outSpoken advocates. 1t has re-
ceived the Endorsement of every Pres
ident of the country since agitation
in its behalf was begun. The almost
unanimous sentiment of the progress
sive citizens of the country demands
favorable action upon it at our hands
Further delay can not be justified in
view of the facts in possession of
your committee. They warrant i'm
mediate action; the country expects
it,
; III is possible that Mr.. Plumley Will
make a speech in the House in de-
Tense of the report, in the preparation
of which he had had such large and
important part. His reticence in the
matter of speech-making during his
first term in Congress has commend
ed itself to his colleagues particular
= ly those from the Middle West, who
, have heard him in so many political
campaigns during the past 80 years
and who are therefore in position to
appreciate his ability as an orator.
If it is necessary he will make a
speech but up to the present time he
, has been content to do his work in
the councils off the floor of the House
and he has come to be regarded as
the sound conservative lawyer of the
Committee on Agriculture.