The Colfax gazette. [volume] (Colfax, Wash.) 1893-1932, 1910-09-09

state depend to large extent upon the
growth OF this interest and this in turn
depends upon plentiful supply OF cheap
coal and upon the use OF the water
power on the coast awaiting develop
ment. But it requires large capital TO
develop and market it.
"The fact that no individual, unless
he is very rich, can open and operate a
coal mine or bring water power into
commercial use reduces the chances OF
effective competition in these commodi-
ties and leaves the way open to the
monopolistic control OF them. The
problem which confronts us, then, is how
best TO encourage the prospecting of our
coal fields, the opening and developing
OF mines, and the utilization Of water
under conditions that will protect the
public against unreasonable prices. The
problem is a difficult one, although to
some of the Eastern conservationists,
who know no more about opening and
running coal mines than they do about
the canals in Mars, it is a very simple
matter. Let the government do it. A
more thoughtful class OF Eastern con-
servationists are strongly urging the
proposition that the government lease
the coal lands for a term Of years and
turn the rentals derived therefrom into
the government treasury.
Opposed to Plan of Leasing.
Il, for one, object to this plan as both
impracticabe and unjust. coal de-
posit, like any other mineral deposit,
must be found and its quality and extent
determined before it can become the SUBJ
iect OF lease. How can any one be SO
simple as to suppose that men will pros
pect for coal in this part OF the country,
90 to the expense and take the risk ot
finding out whether the vein will pay to
develop or lease to be made with gov
ernment agents. who more likely than
not, will have little or no practical
knowledge OF the situation. If the terms
OF the lease are rigidly prescribed by
statute they could not in the nature of
things fit all situations. Ii large dis
cretion is left to the agents it throws
form Of temptation in their way which
all human experience teaches us cannot
wisely or safely be done. Corruption
and public scandal would inevitably fol
low.
Il object to such policy as unjust to
this new state, because such rental for
coal lands or a royalty on water power
would be a special tax on the coal mines
and water power within the state of
Washington. Indeed. it would be in
effect tax upon every factory and upon
every household using coal or water
power. By what right should the gov
ernment impose tax on the industries
or people of this state which it does not
and could not lay upon the industries or
people of Pennsylvania or Georgia? Un-
der the constitution OF the United States
the state of Washington has equal
rights with every other state in the
Union. 1t has the right to develop the
natural resources within it's borders free
from any impost or burden that may
not be imposed upon any other state.
Will Block Development.
"The effect OF such policy would be
to block the development and progress
OF this part Of the country, preventing
4 ho &c fr0r,, ch ~ M
enjoying the great natural wealth Of the
state in order to save it for unborn
generations
"But undeveloped our natural re-
sources will de neither present nor future
generations any good. Our first duty is
to those who are here now; to those who
have come and are coming here because
of the promise held out to industry and
enterprise by the natural advantages OF
this state in it's healthful climate, it's
rich soil, its great store of mineral
wealth, it's vast water power, it's navi-
gable rivers and fine harbors. The peo-
pie OF today have a right to share in
these blessings OF nature. There is no
intention in the West to rob the future,
but there is a determined purpose not to
let band of we'll meaning sentimental
lists rob the present on the plea that it
is necessary to hoard natures riches for
unborn generations.
"By promoting the progress, we'll
being and happiness Of the people today
We shall be doing the best possible SER
vice to those who are TO come after US.
Effective Regulation Proper Course.
"How, then. shall we meet the danger
OF monopoly in articles so essential to
our progress as coal and water power.
"Before proposing remedy for an
evil or safeguard against an appre-
hended evil one should clearly have in
mind the nature OF the mischief to be
corrected or avoided. And what has
the public to apprehend from the ex-