The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-01-06
Views on Conservation.


 Views on Conservation.
 Much has been said regarding his views on the conservation of our natural resources This I shall not dis cuss at this time. I believe that it wifi be shown that his purposes and o5- jects are substantially the same as those of the most radical conserya- tionist and the main difference is but one of methods. Assuredly there is room for an honest difference of opin- ion as to how our great natural re- sources can best be conserved. I may agree with some of the views of those who criticise the policies, the methods and proposals of the secretary but that he is honest and patriotic in his views l have not the slightest doubt One thing is sure, we have had several years of talk about conservation, we have had platitude piled upon plati- tude in the most dramatic way, bS- no specific or detailed plans for con- servation have been presented.
 Legislation Prepared.
 "The present Secretary of the In- terior instead of drawing glittering generalities has made specific recom- mendations regardin ' all the important conservation probleI so far as they come within the Jurisdiction of his de- partment and has prepared and sub mitted to the careful scrutiny of the people and of Congress legislation that he considers necessary to effect the objects so much desired by all. He recommends the repeal of timber and stone laws and the disposal of the timber separate from the soil. de recommends that coal deposits De separated from the title to the surface and that the coal be disposed of sep arate from the land by sale or lease. He recommends Legislation to prevent the acquisition of power sites on the public domain by privare persons or corporations with the view of monop- olizing or adversely controlling them against public inteerst. He has With drawn all locations known to pos sess power possibilities on unappropri- ated lands outside of national forests over which his department has no jurisdiction and he recommended that Congress pass measure authorlzlns the classification of lands capable or being used for water power deVeiop ment and to permit of their dlsposa' through the interior department upon substantially the following conditions.
 Investigation Welcomed.
 Mr. Jones then gave synopsis of seven of the most important recon menda tions made by MT Ballinger, and continuing his remarks said:
 "Conscious of the purity of his mo- tives and the rectitude of his intentions the Secretary of the Interior welcomes this investigation. I have presented the resolution calling for this investi- gation, not in his behalf or in an tagonism to any other official Of the government, but in the interests Of good administration and in order that the people may know the facts of this deplorable controversy and Tor the judgment thereon of an impartial pody This resolution has been drawn directing the committee to investigate along certain and specific lines and then authority is given to it to make any further investigation that 1t may deem desirable. The intention is to secure the broadest and most thorough investigation If the resolution can be made broader and more rigid and 2 more thorough investigation secured 1t should be done and will be well comed by the secretary He wants nc whitewash; he wants no partial in vestigation; he wants 1t rigid. thor ough. complete and conducted ws<hou' ! fear or favorw