Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1913-11-05
ISAYS LEGISLATION
IS VERY NECESSARY
Secretary Hobbs Tells of Her Interview
With Interior and Land Office
Officials.
ARE AWAITING OPINION OF
ATTORNEY GENERAL IN CASE
Question Of How Oregon Can Be Given
New Tracts for Lans Taken
By q. s. Puzzles.

Governor West has today made pub
lie the following letters from his private
secretary, Miss Fern Hobbs, who is in
Washington to straighten out number
of matters needing attention.
Il have just had a conference with
the Commissioner of the General Land
Office, the head of the department hav-
ing charge of the Carey Act projects,
and Of the Geological Survey. The lat
ter promises to expedite SUCH Oregon
matters as the Commissioner office
has sent them for investigation and re-
port.
AS to the Carey act matters,was told
that no final action would be taken
until report was had from the special
agent from the department; that the
last report, which was made prior to
the construction Of the Central Oregon
Irrigation company's north canal, did
not show the lands to have been suf-
ficiently reclaimed. He promises, how
ever, to instruct the agent charged with
the investigation to give the matter
prompt attention.
81 am enclosing letter from the
Commissioner of the General Land OF.
flee confirming my statements made by
wire that the approval Of the survey of
the Tanner lands was being expedited.
Z" At conference with the Assistant
Secretary Of the Interior, Commissioner
Of the General Land office, several
attorneys attached to Che service, and
head of the division having in charge
Oregon's indemnity selections, / found
they hold that title to all surveyed
school sections (l6 and 3G) not other
wise disposed Of, passed to the state
at the date of survey. This would mean
that the later creation Of forest re.
serve would not affect the states title
to these sections; that the proclamation
of the president setting aside such re-
serves being applicable to government
lands only could not include those be-
longing to the state. They therefore
seem to be Of the opinion that it would
be necessary to enact legislation auth
Orizing exchanges Of these surveyed
sections and validating those previously
made where surveyed sections were used
as base Oregon lists are being held
awaiting an opinion from the U. s.
Attorney General As to your protest
against the practice of the department
in refusing to approve state selections
where lands selected appear to be suit
able for irrigation or power site pur.
poses. The officials admit that it does
not seem right or equitable to refuse
to clear list to the state lieu selections
because of their fitness for aid purpose,
In taking the stand it has, the de.
Ipartment has followed the ruling of the
Secretary of the Interior in the case
of Sherar VS.. Yeasie, 40 L. D. $40.
"oregon selection lists covering some
four thousand acres have just been
approved by the Commissioner Of tho
General Land office, and are now on
the desk of the Secretary of the Inter.
ior, awaiting approval. The others are
being permitted to sleep in the Land
Office until some decision can be made.
"The officials cite "a Federal 57l
to justify their action in holding up
these selections have few moro
members to see in regard to our State
Forestry Bill. Am quite sure that wo
will secure its passage"