The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1910-05-20
CHIEF FORESTE /
VISITS SEAT
HENRY s. GRAVES GIVEN DINNER
BY LUMsERMEN At
RAINIER cLUB.
Has Been Getting Better Acquainted
with Western Conditions Protee-
ton from Forest Fires and Equitable
Taxation Discussed.

of the United States, was the guest
OF honor at dinner given at the
Rainier Club by twenty-four leading
Seattle lumbermen and their friends.
Mr.. Graves arrived here from Port
land, where he had been for several
days going over the work Of forest
district No. s, and was received by
D. P. Simons, chief fire warden Of the
Washington Fire Association.
Controversy ID Avoided.
No reference to the controversy be-
tween the secretary Of the interior
and the former chief forester was
made at the dinner, which, it's pro-
moters say. resulted in the crystaliza-
ton of a new feeling Of interest and
sympathy for the forestry service by
the lumbermen.
The chief forester discussed his
plans in twenty-minute speech. He
said the policies laid down by Clifford
Pinchot would be vigorously adhered
to, and that he was most fortunate
in being able to find 80 complete an
organization as that built up by the
former chief.
Fire and Tax Problems.
Two subjects, he said, were of CO.
equal and paramount Importance in
connection with the forestry of this
state; protection against forest fires
and the Inauguration of an equitable
forest taxation system that would fos-
ter reforestation. He urged general
effort for harmony between the for
est organizations and the lumbermen,
with the interests of the public always
uppermost.
Railway to Avoid Starting Fires
He was followed by President H.
R. Williams, of the Milwaukee. who
gave an outline of the plan of the
railway in the interests of forestry
in the territory contiguous to its line,
which included the use of oil for en-
CINE fuel in the forest regions. Behind
this policy President Williams said
there were reasons of economy, in that
forest fires mean less tonnage and
operating difficulties.
George s. Long, president OF the
Forest Fire Association, followed, and
said he recognized the dawning Of an
era OF better understanding between
the forest service and the lumbermen.
He paid tribute to the present per-
sonnet Of the service.
Importance Of Prevention.
d. p. Simons, Of the Forest Fire
Association, spoke Of fire prevention
as paramount in the state forest work.
He told OF the organization of the
association in 1908, and the coming
change in the states policy of pro-
viding all forest rangers with authority
to issue permits for burning.
Prof. Francis G.. Miller. dean Of the
forestry school of the university, spoke
of the needs of the state service IN
the line of conservation, and COM
mended the act of Gov. M. e. Hay in
appointing committee on forest leg
islation. four of whom were present.
st have been in Portland looking
over the work of district No. g." said
Mr.. Graves, land have been laying
out the work for the summer. 1t Is
really an administration trip, and is
the first time / have been able to get
into direct touch with the Western
work. have been able to get in only
few side trips so far, but expect
to return to attend the logging con-
gress at Portland in July, when shall
get more into the field"