The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1910-01-28
PUBLIC Land
TO STATES.
Senator Carter Finds Way
To Protect Water Power.
Senator Root Will Represent
United States as Special
Counsel.

Washington, d. c.. Jan. 22.-Sena-
tor Carter OF Montana rs drafted
a bill TO authorize the issuance to the
states of patents for public lands
which are chiefly valuable for the
development of water power. The
cussion at the recent conference Of
Governors held in Washington and Is
aimed to meet the demands of those
who insist that the states and not
the general government shall assume
control of this phase of the conser-
walton problem. Mr.. Carter is one of
the strong men in Congress. an able
debater and an experienced legisla-
tor. AS chairman Of the Committee on
Irrigation he made a careful and
exhaustive inquiry last year of the
public domain in the west and he is
regarded as being well equipped TO
discuss and defend his measure TO
give the STAGES control of the de-
velopment of water power.
The Carter bill differs fundamen-
tally from that drafted by the Secro-
tary of the Interior,w with the approval
OF the President and introduced by
Senator Nelson. The Nelson bill pro-
vides that the government shall re-
tain title TO all power sites on the !
public domain, granting only ease
menEs thereon and in such way AS
TO prevent their union for purposes of
monopoly with other sites. The
right of use is limited to forty |
years, with means for determining a
graduated rental, and with provisions
for fixing the terms of renewal.
1t is proposed in Ehe Carter bill
that the Federal government shall
give these lands outright to the States
which would thereafter handle and
control them for power development.
The bill provides also that the states
shall never ALLEVIATE the fee simple
title TO the land and shill reserve
the right to fix the rental rates bas-
ed on capacity for power develop
ment. The state Is also 10 regulate
the price to be charged for the cleo
trio current generated by the water
power.
1t is apparent that great battle
will be fought out in Congress be-
fore the question of the rights of
the states and the federal government
respecting water power control is
finally settled. This problem has given
the National Waterways Commission
more trouble than all the other ques-
lions that have arisen before that
Commission. 1t Is entirely possible
that some of the Senators from the
great land states of the far west
will line up with the Southern
Democrats on this question on the
ground that an effort is being made
by the general government TO take
away rights granted the States in
the Constitution.
There are few walters at ROlla, ,
Missouri, where Representative Muir |
ply makes his home. But in Washing
ton, where Mr.. Murphy takes his
meals in the winter time, the {
waster is very much in evidence. Mr.. ,
Murphy has introduced an anti
tipping bill, but his measure is not
general in its scope The Missouri
Congressman wants to try his plan :
In the District of Columbia. 1t pro- .
vides that no walter shall take a
tip and that no proprietor shall al
low tips to be accepted. The penal
ty provided IL fine ranging from
IS TO $50. In view of tho agitation
tor reduction In the cost of living
Mr.. Murphy thinks his measure ought
to prove very popular among those /
who haveto patronize restaurants and Z
hotels. IL
There are signs of q widespread D
and vigorous campaign against the ]
proposed Legislation to increase the v
postage rates on magazines with a s
view to wiping up the deficit in F
magazines have already begun to G
sent out circulars to their adver6is-
ers and subscribers denouncipg the o
plan. A number Of these circulars a
have found. their way 10 members of II
Congress and greater number OF Il
letters srom constituents based on a