The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1910-01-24
clifford PI.NCUOT

Among other interesting sketches of
interesting people, the February
American Magazine contains an article
by Steward Edward White about Gif-
ford Pinchot. excerpts from which are
as follows:
Clifford Pinehot has accomplished a
number OF great works. He has or
ganiZed the bureau of forestry in 50
efficient a manner that from small
beginning az an nnimportant scientific
research affair. IL has grown Ia the
proportions and dignity Of an economic
department az the government. II
controls millions of acres al land:
saves for the central government a
constantly increasing revenue: and
conservcs for future generations the
natural wealth Of humber, grazing,
mineral and water power committed
tn its care.
in n business involving many busi-
ncsses. many kinds OF people. and
complicated new problems. he has con-
structed ana organized an admira Bile
automatic machinery of control. Gif-
ford pinehoi has proved himself a
great executive.
I'm addition To this task. for which
by right ali his energies should have
been available. he has had Ia wage =
bitter warfare. The enemies of the
national forest idea We're numerous.
They included in their ranks every
man whose especial privilege was cur
tailed by the simple process of saving
for the people what il the peoples.
The land grabber. the timber stealer.
the water hog. the cattle king. saw
I'm even the beginnings Of conserva-
ton nothing hut "A menace against
themselves.
Each winter on the floors Of con-
gross the forest service had to fight
for its life. II was attacked by fair
means and foul. by direction and by
indircction. No falsehond was too
rank: no trick too base for some of
these champions Of the strongest, but
still the losing game. Year after year
the fight went on, but always more
feehly. Now the life of our national
forest policy is assured. No one has
for two years dared attempt more
than harass or hinder. has ventured
to challenge the right Of the forest
service tn its share in the public gov
eminent. Pinchot has won that par
tlcnlar battle. He is a great fighter,
But further. he has also conquered
public sentiment. Ten years ago none
paid any attention to conservation
save n few 'dreamcrs and theorists
Eight years ago the knowledge of II
had spread over the whole west: but
was everywhere met with hostility and
a q N H. .r ,n
country are with the idea This re-
suit has been reached by an open
publicity. by a patient education OF
the people face tn face. Back and
forth across this continent. unwearied,
under weight of work that must be
done. the forester has journcycd. meet
Ing friends and enemies. attending
meetings enthusiastic or hostile.
preaching always reasonably his ren-
snnabie doctrine. In the end that
doctrine prevailing because we are AT
bottom reasonable people.
'Pinchnt's work has been absolutely
anselfish. Born To n large fortune.
sprung from "A good family. ne had
every incentive Ia II life of idlcness.
He preferred tn work. His work was
not for himself: his forces and his
money he spent literally. Furthermore.
he has always tried by every means
in his power To keep himself in the
background. II praised. he has always
brought forward the subordinate as
the deserving one. II binnder Is
committed. he is genuinely distressed
until he can show that ut least n share
of the blame must he laid on his own
shoulders. lilo fights imnersnnaliy.
without bitterness, lie has many en-
emies; but II is to he doubled IL there
are any In the number who. having
met him personally. have continued To
hate him with the peculiar hatred that
wants To infiict physical harm. Pen-
pie come after a time To feel his es-
scntlal sincerity: and In trust it"