The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-01-08
FISHER FAvORS
LEASING SYSTEM
Believes 1t Will Promote
and Protect Public
Interests.
BETTER LAWS ARE N
Present Statutes Not Suited 10
Rapid and Proper Develop
ment OF Federal Domain

Washington, January Enlarged
application of the leasing principle
as applied to the public domain. espe-
ciaily 4 liberal leasing law for the
development OF the mineral resources
OF Alaska, particularly its coal lands,
and immediate consideration by Con-
gress oil the whole subject of water
power development and control are
the most important recommendations
contained In the annual report OF Sec
rotary of the Interior Fisher, made
public to-day.
y general overhaulinG of conditions
in Alaska is needed. the secretary
says. He favors law for the retire
ment of government employees. placing
it on the ground of good business
policy. He urges the creation of a
bureau of national parks, each OF
them at present being "a separate and
distinct unit for administrative pur-
poses" There is also serious need, he
declares, for the enlargement of the
work of the Bureau OF Mines.
Not Opposed to Development.
1.-The great public movement for the
conservation OF our national re-
sources" says Secretary Fisher, lis
not in any way opposed to prompt
and wise development of the public
domain The essential thing is to see
that, under the guise of settlement we
do not permit more exploitation. which
in the last analysis retardS both set
Element and development" He recon-
mends, therefore. certain notifications
of existing laws relating to the public
domain SO as to permit it's proper
development.
Many of the restrictive provisions,
which now, irritate and hamper tho
al Industrial nj
should be removed. he says.
1.-The man on the ground should be
the object OF our solicitude, and we
should protect him against those who
would place upon his shoulders any
unnecessary burden"
In regard to agricultural land set
tiers, Secretary Fisher holds that the
law should insist absolutely upon cul-
tivstion. but should permit the rclaxa-
ton OF the rule requiring residence
during the nrst two years" in some
being mo reason whatever for insist
Ing upon the requirement of actual
residence at tho outset
Some modification of the law in re-
gard to repayment OF reclamation
charges Is recommended, and a change
in the law is proposed to permit the
settler al any time after five years
from tho date of entry and after lie
has lived for three years upon his
land. to acquire title to the property.
Should Aid IoIIemnlers.
mo land should be open to home
stead entry" he declares, except that
which is really suitable for homes; and
then the homemaker should BIO aided
in every proper way.
"'The timber and stone act should
bc immediately repealed. and also the
act authorizing the cutting of timber
on mineral lands. They hold out a con-
slant invitation TO abuse and to mere
exploita ton.
"The public range cannot be prop
erly administered under the existing
law. 1t should be leased for grazing
purposes under the broad adminlstra-
Tive discretion Of the Secretary Of the
interior, so that the leases can be
adapted to actual conditions and the
legitimate interests of the sheep AID
cattlemen. At present the range itself
is being destroyed and both sheep and
Continued on Eighth PaSe)