The Wallace miner. [volume] (Wallace, Idaho) 1907-current, 1912-01-25
WANTS ALASKA DEVELOPED
Secretary Fisher Says Country Can Not
Be Opened Up Under Laws
Now on Statutes.

Enlarged application of the leasing principle applied to
the public domain especially liberal leasing law for the de
veopnent OF the mineral resources of Alaska particularly Its
coal lands and immediate consideration by of the
whole subject of water power development and control the
most important recommendations contained in the annual
port of Secretary of the Interior Fisher.
A general overhaung of conditions in Alaska is needed
the secretary SAYS He the law for the retirement OF
government employees placing it the ground of good bust
ness policy. He urges the creation of bureau of national
parks each of them at present being separate and distinct
anti for administrative purposes. There is also serious
need he declares for the enlargement of the work OF the bur
eau Of mines
The great public movement for the conservation OF our
national resources says Secretary Fisher sis not in any way
opposed prompt and wise development of the public domain
phe essential thing is to that under the gulse OF settlement
we do not permit mere exploitation which in the last analysis
retards both settlement and development lie recommends
therefore, certain notifications OF Xsng laws relating TO te
public domain to permit its proper development Many
of the restrictive provisions which llrltae and hammer
he bona fde settler and industrial pioneer should be removed
he .
1.-THE man on the ground should be the object of oIic
tue and should protect him against those who would pace
any unnecessary burdens upon his shoulders
In regard to agricultural land settlers Secretary Fisher
holds that the law should insist absolutely upon cultivation
but sh.d permit the relaxation of the rule requiring resi-
lence during the first two years. IN some cases on account o.
conditions there being whatever for insisting upon
he requirement of actual residence at the outset.
Some modification Of the law in regard to repayment o.
reclamation charges is recommended and change IN the law
proposed to permit the settler at any time alte hVe year
from the date of entry and after he has lived Tor three years
lpon his land to acquire title to the property
''No land should be open TO homestead entry, he declares
Except that WHICH real suitable for homes and then the
homemqker should be aided in every proper way
YIhe timber and act should be immediately repea
al and also the act authorizing the cutting of timber on MN
era lands They hold out constant invitation to abuse ano
TO mere exploitation
"n fact the enlarged application of the leasing prhclpC
10 tho nuhlc domain generally will in my Judgment
effectively promote development and protect the public inter
est than the present system Certainly coal OIL gas asphalt
nrate and phosphate lands be more appropriately deVe
oped by easehod than by the present system OF classification
and sale of the foe which prevails with respect to COAL
The proper administration and development Of Alaska ca'
not be accomplished under existing laws the secretary thinks
and he urges the construction by the government of contra