Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-09-06

it is wise that we should abandon the
old point of view and why conserva-
ton has become patriotic duty.
Waterways.
Une OF the greatest OF our conserva-
ton problems is the wise and prompt
development and use of the waterways
of this nation.
The Twin Cities. lying as they do at
the headwaters Of the Mississippi, are
not upon the direct line Of the pro-
posed lakes to the gulf deep waterway.
Yet they are deeply interested in its
prompt completion, as well as in the
deepening and regulation Of the Mis-
sissippi to the mouth Of the Missouri
and to the gulf.
The project for great trunk water
way, an arm of the sea, extending
from the gulf Of Mexico to the great
lakes. should not be abandoned. The
lakes to the gulf deep waterway and
the development of the rivers which
flow into IL should be pushed to COM
pletion vigorously and without delay.
But we must recognize at the outset
that there are certain conditions with
out which the people cannot hope to
derive from it the benefits they have
a right to expect.
In nearly every river city from st.
Paul to the gulf the water front is con-
trolled by the railways. Nearly every
artificial waterway in the United
States. either directly or indirectly, is
under the same control.
1t goes without saying that unless
the people prevent it in advance the
railways will attempt TO take control
of our waterways as fast as they are
improved and completed. nor would
blame them If we, the people. are su-
pine in the matter.
We must see to it that adequate
terminals are provided in every city
and town on every improved water
way. terminals open under reasonable
conditions TO the use Of every citizen
and rigidly protected against monopo-
ly. And we must compel the railways
to cooperate with the waterways con-
tinuously, effectively and under rea-
sonable conditions.
Unless we do so the railway lines
will refuse TO deliver freight to the
boat lines, either openly or by impos
ing prohibitory conditions. and the wa
terways once improved will do COM
paratively little for the benefit of the
people who NV the hill
The National Forests.
The peoi..v u ~ I.4..,,. .,tates be-
lieve in the complete and rounded de-
velopment If inland waterways for all
the useful purposes they can be made
to serve. They believe also in forest
protection and forest extension.
The fight for our national forests in
the west has been won. After a cam
paign in which the women of Min
nesota did work which should secure
to them the perpetual gratitude of their
state Minnesota won her national for
est and will keep it. but the fight TO
create the southern Appalachian and
White mountain forests in the east is
not yet over
The bill has passed the house and
will come before the senate for vote
next February. The people Of the
United States regardless of party or
section should stand solidly behind it
and see that their representatives do
likewise.
If any proof were needed that forest
protection is n national duty the recent
destruction Of forests in the west by
fire would supply it. Even with the
aid of the army added to that of the
forest service the loss has been severe
Without either it would have been
vastly greater.
But the forest service does more
than protect the national forests
against fire. 1t makes them practically
and increasingly useful as well. Dur
ing the last year for which have the
figures the national forests were used
by 22.0O0 cattlemen with their herds.
5000 sheepmen with their f1oclzs. 5000
timbermen with their crews and 49,
Continual or, Eaua -avar 4