The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1913-03-28

territory, Bn0li nSEeaiiof W
10 be within the custody and protec
ton OF the government Of the United
States, and shall not be destroyed OF
taken contrary to regulations mere
inbefore provided therefor"
II has been found by the agricui-
tural department that the game laws
of the different states do not protect
In all cases. Some og the states nave
put protective laws on their statute
books giving protection to certain
bros for certain periods. but In many
of these cases It is found that tho
birds do not occur In the states dur
ing the periods in which protection Is
provided. In other words. there is no
protection at all.
As things are to be in the future,
the department OF agriculture VIII
adopt regulations prescribing and fx-
ing closed seasons. having due regard
to the zones OF temperature, breeding
habits and times and lines Of migra-
tory flight, thereby enabling the de-
partment to select and designate suit
able districts for different birds OF the
country, "and II shall be unlawful to
shoot or by any device kill or seize
and capture migratory birds within the
protection of this law during said
closed season, and any person VINO
shall violate any of the provisions or
regulations OF this law for the pro-
lection OF migratory birds shall be
guilty OF misdemeanor and shall be
fined not more than 500 or impris-
oned not more than ninety days, or
both, In the discretion Of the court"
Support Almost Unanimous.
The influences for this federal legis-
lation for the protection of birds
which 1t was feared rapidly were be-
coming extinct, were exerted from
every state in the Union. There was
no sectionalism in 1t, and few persons
raised the plea of states rights In or
der to defeat the measure. 1t Is said
that public opinion all over the United
States had become so aroused because
of the diminishing game birds and
song birds that all bubbles were put
aside and virtually unanimous senti-
ment .exerted itself for the measure.
There were only fifteen votes against
1t in the house of representatives.
National and state oranges, state
and local game protective associa-
tions. bird societies of all kinds. and
other organizations worked for this
measure. 1t is declared to be the
most important event In the history
of bird life conservation In the United
States
Wilson Likes Taft's Idea.
There is belief among Demo.
cratic members of congress that
President Wilson may take w
the suggestion made by EXPRESS
dent Taft and urge legislation which
will enable his cabinet officers to ap-
pear on the floor of the two houses OF
congress when matters pertaining to
their departments are under consid-
GRAFTON. to answer questions and to
give information which may enlighten
on the points at issue.
Such a course would be In entire
keeping with Mr.. Wilson's intimation
that he may go to the capitol on oc
casion to be within easy reach Of rep
resentatives and senator's who care to
consult him. 1t is all part Of plan
to bring the administration and con
gress closely together in conference
on matters of legislation.
/ Mr.. Taft's idea was that If the mem
bers of his cabinet could go to the
house and the senate, especially al
times when appropriation bills were
under consideration. the actual neet
for money In this case or that case
would be more clearly presented, anC
the doubts of members who did no
know how to vote could be cleared VI
and a more intelligent consideration
could be given to each item In ever,
appropriation bill
The former president did not in
tend, however, to limit the appear
ance OF members of the cabinet to az
preparation occasions. He wanted cor
gress to provide that whenever cat
met officers presence seemed advisa
BILE he might be summoned, given
seat on the floor and allowed to ar
swer all questions and to vouchsaf
such opinions as suggested then
selves to him as being pertinent I
the subject matter In hand.
Influence" Is Feared.
1t is the fear of some congressme
that the admission of cabinet men
bers to the floor would bring about
condition Of administration influence
with the legislative branch and this
this ought to be avoided, especial
in Democracy. 1t was the fear
| this same influence which has mad
many members of congress oppose tt
] suggestion OF Mr.. Wilson that /
} might come to the capitol himself q
occasion, a suggestion which has bee
: treated Of In another dispatch.
, There is any amount OF personal /
I fiuence used to sway legislation
! congress and some OF this person
4 influence has been condemned by Il
r public and the press ever since Il
FIRST congress convened. This inf