Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-01-08
SEcRErARN FISHER ApvocArEs
NEW POLICY IN DEVELOPING
pUDLlc DOMAIN, MAX
LEASING LAWS INADEQUATE
70 MEET PRESENT NEEDS
Timber and Stone Act Should Do Re.
peafsd-steek Ranges Being De-
stroysd Under Present systsm-Ds.
vsiopmsnt Of Alaska Retarded Un-
der Present Conditions.

applied to the public domain, especial
ly liberal leasing law for the develop
ment OF the mineral resources of Alas
ka. particularly its coal lands, and inn
mediate consideration by congress OF
the whole subject of water-power de-
velopment and control, are the most
important Recommendations contained
in the annual report of Secretary OF the
Interior Fisher made public today.
A general overhauling Of conditions
in Alaska Is needed, the secretary
says. He urges the creationsof bu-
reau Of national parks, each OF them
at present being "a separate and DIS
tinct unit for administrative purposes
There is also serious need, he declares,
for the enlargement Of the work OF the
bureau Of mines.
THE great public movement for the
conservation Of our national re-
sources" says Secretary Fisher. is
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 per-
NIT more exploitation. which In the
last analysis retards both settlement
and development" He recommends.
therefore. certain notifications of ex-
listing laws relating to the public DO
main so as to permit its proper de-
,velopment
Laws lrritats and Hamper.
Many Of the restrictive provisions
which now irritate and hamper the
bona fide settler and industrial pio-
neer should be removed, he says.
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
la * should insist absolutely upon Gull
tivatior but should permit the relaxa-
ton Of the rule requiring residence
during the first two years. In some
cases on account Of conditions there
i,be:ng mo reason whatever for insist
ing upon the requirement OF actual
residence at the outset
Some modificat ton Of the law In re-
gard to repayment Of reclamation
charges Is recommended and change
In the law is proposed to. permit the
settler at any time after Ave years from
the date Of entry and after he has lived
! for three years upon his land, 10 ac'
quire title to the property
! mo land should be open to home
stead entry" he declares. except tna'
which is really suitable for homes;
| and then the homemaker should De
aided in every proper way.
Invitation TO Abuse.
(, 'arhe timber and stone act should
be Immediately repealed. and also the
lact authorizing the cutting OF timber
on mineral lands. They hold out
constant invitation to abuse and u
more exploitation.
THE pubic range can not be proper
ly administered under the existing law
I It should be leased for grazing pur'
poses under the broad administrative
discretion 81 the secretary OF the In
fterior, % that the leases can Of
adapted to actual conditions and the
Legitimate interests Of the sheep and
cattle men. At present the range It.
self is being destroyed and both sheer
land cattle men are coming to the con
Eviction that their own interests VII
The better subserved by a leasing law
/ Nsw Laws for Alaska.
4 The proper administration and de-
velopment bf Alaska can not be &C
accomplished under existing laws. tn
secretary declares; wherefore, he urges
also the construction by the govern
fment Of central trunk line railroad
from tidewater to the Tanana ant
Yukon; the reservation Of sufficien
amount Of the coal lands to provide TO
the future needs of the navy, this Goa
to be mined by the government; NOR
liberal appropriations for roads AM
trails: and the adoption Of form o
:; territorial government. commission
Iform being suggested. better adapted t
it, remote situation and peculiar loca