davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Spry Is Pleased.

Governor Spry was then introduced
and added a few words OF welcome. II
declared that this gathering OF western
governors was sure to be fraught witt
much good to the west. He hoped tina
a union OF interests would be reached
ny the respective states, whose gov
ernors were present. mat would ef1ec
a solid front to the problems confront
ing the entire western country i'
added:
| am more than pleased that the
department OF the interior has seen
ht TO send It's representatives. l am
sure that all the governors VIII be
glad 10 have their cooperation in
working out IA solution OF the cues
tions paramount in the west
There is much 10 do in the proper
development OF the great stretches
OF empire that make UP the western.
states. much more than We OF this
generation can hope TO accomplish in
the brief span OF life allowed to us,
but 10 me II appears that now is the
time OF all times 10 put the west
upon proper basis Of development
and TO set free those forces by which
possibilities OF this country shall be
wrought into lasting realities. Out
of this meeting / hope to see the
crystallization OF a sentiment OF har-
nonjous cooperation between the
states and the federal government
for whatever is done must be done
not for the good OF the west alone
but for the good OF the great nation
Of which the west Is so mighty a
part. and with ar eve 10 the future
liat lies ahead of us.
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Governor Ammons Replies.

Governor Spry was followed by Gov
ernor Ammons, whose address was a re-
piy on behalf OF the visitors to the fe.
licities extended by Mayor Park ano
Governor Spry He said he believed that
the meeting ought 10 result In actua
We men who sit at the helm OF
places al Washington ought 10 he
able 10 get together on some broad
constructive plan FOR development
that VIII make possible greater
strides than any vet taken towards
the goals OF human happiness and
contentment that We aim at. II
We do get together we may obtain
almost anything within reason that
We ask for. We have no disposition
TO ask for anything that would not
be Just and fair TO the entire coun-
try but We do Insist that western
people, with the vast experience OF
western affairs. arc In the best po-
sltlon 10 govern and control those
affairs
I wish TO correct a widely circu-
lated impression that We men who
stand for a square deal In the west
are opposed TO federal policies, lust
because they are federal policies
state rights do not necessarily enter
into this issue. Every state has the
same high regard for the federal gov
ernment and we do not presume TO
challenge the right OF that govern
Ueut 10 administer the affairs OF the
public domain within each state. All
We demand is that such adminlstra-
ton shall be liberal. capable and in
keeping with the just needs and aims
OF the west.
Governor J. III. Haines OF Idaho spok
,nrlehy Ills formal address will be de
lFered todaS
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Gradually Slipping Away.

From the foregoing II will be ssen
that our timber resources have been
gradually slipping to the control OF
selfish interests and had not the pol
icy. OF federal reservation and con-
troll been inaugurated at an early
date every acre OF desirable surveyed
timber land would by this time have
passed from public to private owner
OF the big corporations whose aim it
Is TO some day control this vast ma
tlonal resource.
The interior department, more par
ticularly the general land office, is
carrying too much dead timber Il
is loaded up with a lot OF political
antiques who could never hold a po-
sition with a modern business con-
cern. Many OF these departmental
clerks, while not being in touch with
conditions in the west are permitted
10 determine matters Of vast impor-
tance to it. Red tape, unwarranted
delays and an unlawful assumption
and exercise OF autocratic powers
have put the interior department,
particularly the general land office,
in bad odor with the people OF the
west
1t is we'll known that desirable
homestead lands are growing less
and less each year in the west. The
through many lean and trying years
before reclaiming his land and prov
Ing up under the homestead Laws.
VIII say. and without fear OF contra
diction. that notwithsta pding far
greater difficulties the homesteader
OF today as rule makes 100 per
cent better showing than was made
by ree-fourths Of those who made
entries prior to 1900: yet they have
their proofs repeatedly rejected and
are forced to submit to petty annoy
ances and most trying delays which
tend only to invite contests and dis
courage settlement. Being In pretty
close touch with the situation in tho
west 1 feel that j am right when /
contend that any man, who in these
times and In good faith files upon
the average available mountain or
desert homestead and makes an hon
est attempt to comply with the home
stead laws Is not only entitled TO a.
patent to his claims. but a Carnegie
medal also, the opinion OF some an
cient departmental clerks notwith-
standing.
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Absurdity of Rulings.

To show the utter absurdity OF
some OF the departmental rulings,
wish to call your attention to the
opening OF what Is known rs the
Slletz Indian reservation in our
state. Congress IN throwing the
lands open to entry restricted the
same TO homesteads AS soon as the
lands were open 10 entry. filings were
made by large number of citizens
OF this state. most OF whom were
men and women OF small means who
made entry In good faith and for the
purpose OF securing the lands for
their own use and benefit and in
the only way offered-throush the
homestead laws. Most OF these en-
trymen when making proof made as
good showin- as could be expected
when the character OF the land was
better showing than IL had been the
custom TO make throughout the west
I am advised that many applica-
tions for patents were rejected upon
the ground that the lands were more
valuable for timber than for asricul-
tural purposes. The charge might
he true. but the entrymen were not
TO blame. Congress. In opening the
reservation declared the lands open
10 homestead entry only, yet when
such entries were made and proof
submitted they were rejected and
other and similar entries accepted
when II was we'll known that these
new entrymen would never make any
better showing than their predeces-
sors. I have known entrymen with
the best intentions TO hang on 10
these claims for years and sink all
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06

come when they will control all that
remains OF our once vast timber sup
ply aud therefore be in position to
dictate the prices at which 1t shall
be sold 1t is estimated by the gov
ernment authorities that the timber
about $500, 900 600. 900 feet and II the
present cut continues II will last but
1iftyiive years. The records show
four-hfths OF our timber TO have
passed into private ownership,
The timber supply of the northwest
is placed at about l,500, 900. 900, 600,
or little more than 90 per cent Of
that of the nation. Two-thirds OF the
timber in the northwest is in pri-
vate hands. One-half OF It is held
fourth of it by three owners-the
Southern Pacific. Northern Pacific
and the Weyerhauser interests. The
holdings of the Southern Pacific
amount 10 10G. 600, 900, 900 feet OF
timber and about 100000 acres of
land: the Weyerhauser interests.
$4,000, 900. 600 feet and 1885. 600 acres:
600, 600 feet and 100000 acres
These timber holdings OF the Big
than one-half as great as the entire
holdings of the federal government
Their combined holdings in Oregon
and Washington are as great as
that Of the federal government In the
same states.
According to government figures
there are 545. 900, 900. 900 feet of tim
Der in oregon, three-fourths OF which
is in private hands OF The latter,
SO, 600. 900, 900 feet are owned by the
Big Three. These interests own in
Oregon two-thirds as much timber as
the federal government Their hold
inss In our state are greater than
that Of the government in either
Washington or Idaho
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06

OF politics, and in this confidence we
are going to ask frankly and deter
ninedly for the things We believe we
are entitled to.
With proper laws and proper ad
ministratIon of public policies the
west can be as mighty as the east.
The settlement Of this smiling val
ley wherein we meet today stands as
proof everlasting of what can be
done in the west by the perseverance
OF man If he Is not nampered by un-
wise laws. II stands as one of the
most remarkable achievements since
the pilgrims landed on the shores of
America, The results of liberal treat
ment stand about US on every hand.
Extend the same liberalty to all the
west through the medium OF the
policies governing the public domain
and the whole west will blossom the
brighter and progress more rapidly
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Carey Is Emphatic.

Governor Carey OF Wyoming was thu
INST TO strike deep into the purpos.
of The meeting. Frankly lie declared tha
the west has not been and is no, beIns
dealt fairly with by the national govern.
iient in things pertaining TO the publ,
domain. He said:
We of the west have felt and stiu
feel that We have been harshly dealt
with By the Interior department,
MS treatment has grown out Of
Misunderstanding on the part of the
men OF the east, who have for SO
long directed the affairs OF the In
terior department. directly or indi-
recly.
The new administration, however.
has named as secretary Of the In
terror western man with west
ern interests and OF wide experI-
ence. and 1 predict for him greater
success than has been achieved in
that office by any other man In re-
cent times. I for one am confident
that the west will obtain much from
the present administration regardless
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Invitation Extended.

Clay Tallmsn, commissioner OF the
general land office. bore out the state
ments OF Secretary Jones as TO the aims
Of the interior department.
The interests OF the department OF
the interior are your interests" nc said
"AIl interests In the western states are
virtually identical. The main purpose is
the upbuildng of the country on broad
q nd lasting lines. That rs the aim OF the
present administration
At this juncture delegation Of Com
mcrcial club men arrived and Hsoer 81.
Wells former governor. was invited TO
speak He invited the governors 10 dine
At the Commercial club as the guests OF
the board OF governors. and the Invitation
was accepted without delay.
The feature of the afternoon session
was the reading OF the paper by Cover
, nor West of Oregon. Governor West had
intended TO be present for the opening
session. but was delayed by the serving
( OF an Injunction upon him as he was
about TO leave the state Governor West
, is fighting for an appropriation for a
Carey project In eastern Oregon against
which Injunction proceedings have been
taken. telegram received last night
was TO the effect that he would arrive
| some time today telegram also was
| Received from Governor S. V. Stewart OF
Montana. who is Fastening from Chica go
and will arrive in time for the afternoon
| session today,
| on smotion OF Governor Spry, all at
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Team Work Needed.

While We are loyal and patriotic
parts OF the whole commonwealth,
the western states have conditions
and problems peculiarly their own,
and II is believed that these gather
ings and conventions Will lead to
community OF interest and that the
advancement Of western interests
viii benefit the country at large,
Salt Lake CITY prides Itself upon
being the center OF the solid west.
and il is most proper and fitting
that you should meet at this point
Geographically, IL is the most easily
accessible point in all the western
country. It is endowed by nature
with more than the ordinary album
dance OF ma tural attractions. The
time. place and conditions are con-
ducive TO broad and deep thought
and we have no doubt but that sue
cess will attend your labors> l hope
that YOU will feel as much at home
here as YOU feel in your respective
capitals. and If there is anything
lacking to make your sojourn with
us more pleasant. your wishes shall
be our commands. Again L welcome
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Department Blunders.

We must admit that the federal
government has made many blunders
during the Inauguration and develop
ment Of her conservation policies
and that the officials of the interior
department have on many occasions
in dealing with the public assumed
and exercised, and in an autocratic
manner, powers unwarranted by law,
The assumption OF these unauthorized
powers by the department. together
with It's needless delays and endless
red tape. has made 1t anything but
popular in the west, and has gone
far to endanger the cause OF conser-
walton as the selfish interests who
are fighting the governments poll
cies are prompt TO capitalize the mis-
takes and unpopularity Of the depart
ment with the hope OF securing a
return 10 the old order OF things.
They are ever ready to take up the
cause of the abused homesteader
and use lt as a wedge with which To
pry open the forest reserves.
The charge that millions OF acres
Of valuable agricultural land is being
bottled up In the federal forests is
tracts here and there which are suit
able for agricultural purposes, but the
acreage is small. In 1901 100000
acres were eliminated from the Olym-
pic national forest In the state OF
Washington on the ground that IL
was chiefly valuable for agriculture.
and that the settlement OF the coun-
trv was being retarded. When the
lands we're thrown open to entry
most Of Il was filed upon under the
timber and stone law which requires
an oath that the land Is valuable
chiefly for timber. but not III for
cultivation" An investigation ten
wears later U9tD showed most Of the
Ia nds TO have passed into the hands
OF timber companies. Only 100 set
tiers were living in the area climi-
mated, and the total amount Of land
In cultivation was but $40 acres. or an
average OF less than six acres TO the
settler.
These selfish interests give voice to
she cry for state ownership OF the
lands in federal forests.
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06

III touch with the true situation out
west and have either been TOO busy
or were unwilling 10 look into our
claims with view OF seeing us get
our Just dues
Notwithstanding our complaint,
great good has come to the west from
the federal reclamation act. The
reclamation service has had It's ups
and downs and it has made its mis-
takes, but experience has undoubted-
ly given ii strength. IL has expended
millions and VIC have heard little or
no cry OF graft. The service today
is as effective perhaps as the present
system of d!Ctat ton and control from
Washington will permit. IL needs re-
organiza ton, however, and If done.
l hope TO see IL adopt the plan OF or
SanlZation now in use by the great
railroad systems
1t Is impossible for the secretary
OF the interior or the director of the
reclamation service 10 grasp all OF
the details Incident to the construo-
tlon and operation OF the numerous
irrigation projects under construc-
ton or operation by the federal gov
ernment. These officials should con-
tent themselves with outlining poll
cies and leaving all matters OF
purely adminiStra tive character to the
Held service. The director should be
n man OF affairs and executive abil-
ity. He should have upon his staff
consulting engineer Of high stand
ing. who should keep in touch with
the work of the different projects
and be his advisor on ail matters OF
a broad engineering policy. He should
also have on his staff Il high-class
legal assistant and an auditor or
chief accountant, who could be given
full charge OF the accounting and OF
the service and thus relieve his chief
of the detail which attaches to this
department.
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06

tending governors resolved themselves
into q committee Of the whole TO pre-
pare resolutions for passage at the last
of 9the governors as to the best means
of going about the solving OF the prob
lens under consideration. They will be
forwarded to Washington for the infor-
nation of President Wilson and the In
terror department
Secretary Jones informed the governors
that he had engaged a suite Of rooms al
the Hotel Utah, where he would lie glad
to receive any Information or complaint,
either private or public, that anyone
would care to lay before him relative TO
the questions at hand He explained that
his mission was entirely for the purpose
Of gathering information
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Tribute to Wilson.

am glad to note the policy of
President Wilson In going out Of his
way almost to select western men for
the handling Of western affairs. We
are glad TO have such men with us
at this conference and we feel sure
that they can aid in our plans for
the betterment OF the western states
We want you men Of the interior de-
partment to go back to Washington
and tell your chief that our only aim
is TO make great states for our union.
We are ready with our wealth and
our swords II need be to help build
and maintain our country. L wish
particularly to bid you men welcome
TO our conference.
Governor Carey suggested that the req
resentatives OF the federal governmer
be accorded the full privileges Of tn
meeting and be invited to take part I
all discussions and to offer any sugges
tions that might occur to them. Governc
Tasker L. Oddie OF Nevada made sue
a motion and it was adopted enthuslas
tically.
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Suggestions Made.

The west should be cut up INTO
districts. each 10 cover say from three
TO FIVE projects, Each district should
have a competent engineer as eNecu-
tive head--hc 10 select MS project
engineers and other ass!stants-the
project engineers TO select their own
subord mates. These district heads
should be given a reasonably free
hand in all administrative matters
and fair chance to use their own
heads and work OUT their own Ideas,
They should have power TO hear and
determine the numerous complaints
of tine settlers and other matters
which are now heard and determined
at Washington. In other words. we
believe that these reclamation prof.
ects can never be successfully han
died through departmental clerks In
Washing ton Secretary Lane ap-
pears 10 have realized the short
comings OF the present system, as II
Is reported that he has appointed
board or commission 10 have. here
after. full charge of the service. Let
MS hope that this new plan OF the
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
ASKING SQUARE
TREATMENT FOR
GREAT WEST
Governors Meet in Salt Lake
City and Discuss Questions
Pertaining to Empire Over
Which They Preside.
Continued from Page one.)

the distinguished visitors In his cha
acteristic vein. lie said In part:
Your Excellences-In behalf OF the
citizens of Salt Lake and the board
OF commissioners, / bid you well
come The public looks with favor
upon GATHERINGS OF this kind. FOR the
reason that the western states nave
much in common and many prob
lens peculiar 10 themselves
The dreams OF the pioneers OF this
western country are about realized
and IL only remains To do those things
which make life easier and more at
tractive 10 the inhabitants. We have
our problems Of transportation, lrrl-
cation, conservat ton and develop
n1ent The east is essentially man
ufacturing section, while the west Is
the great producer, We look for
ward and hope for the time when
more factories may be established
here and our immense water power
sites utilized When arid fields shall
feel the touch OF the plow and pour
into tho bins OF the farmer the
golden treasures OF nature.
While we have developed and pro-
gressed. We have in reality made but
fair start. a large part or our
population has come from the east
ern section. but when they become
acclimatcd and accustomed to the
LARGE scale by which we are of ne
cessity forced TO do things in the
west they come TO view our prob
lens from a different angle and with
a different eye from the typical east
erneT,
The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-06-06
Significant Message.

Secretary Jones then delivered his sig
nihcant message from the department
of the Interior. In measured words h
told of what might be expected OF tn
present administration. Purposely. h
avoided any assertive statement as t
what particular policies were to be main
tained or abandoned. conflning hmsel
TO the broad statement that a more lib
eral policy in general would be pur
come as the personal representa-
tive OF Secretary Lane and I wish to
express the thanks OF the interior
department. for the cordial invitation
extended us by you governors OF the
west. Secretary Lane desires to CO.
operate fully with you people Of the
west in solving your problems. for
your problems are the nations prob
lens and ultimately they must be
solved along Identical lines.
/ and my associates are here 10
try to get in close touch with west
ern conditions, We have heard OF
numerous complaints against the ad
we want to know what those COM
plants are based upon. We want
your point Of view and we perhaps
want 10 give some advice. and II II
is within the power OF the interior
department to rectifv those troubles.
we are going TO do It.
| wish 10 declare with emphasis
that so far as any honest home
steader, honest prospcctor, or any
other honest man bent upon obtain
ing his full rights a citizen In the
west is concerned, the west will have
nothing to fear in the future from tire
interior department We do not in
tend that the public domain shall be
thrown open to exploitation or dis
poilation. but We mean TO make IL az
easy as possible for the honest build
ers OF the west and as hard as pos
sible for the spoilers, That Is the
spirit In which we come.
| know you people OF the west. I
know that for fairness. integrity and
ability TO work out the the great
destinies Of this magnificent empire.
you cannot be surpassed. ! am one
OF You. For twenty-seven years ]
have lived in the west and I know
western character. On behalf OF the
department OF the interior, pledge
my cooperation and accept your
courteous invitation to take part In
Tic dlscusslons Of this conference.