The Washington times., 1914-06-18
FERRIS LEASE BILL
ACONSERVAT|ON SOP
Advocates Hope 1t May Pass
House This Session, Fate in
Senate Doubtful.

Conservation legislation on a broad
Ssale either in the present session or
She next session. that is, within the
life of this Congress, is far from be-
ing a certainty. Within recent days,
there has been much talk about push
ing n program of comprehensive iegis-
lation for a system OF development and
conservation of natural resources and
conservationists have in some cases
been led to believe the end of their
long fight was near at hand.
The House will have plenty Of time
on its hands while the Senate is pass
ing trust legislation to dispose of one
or more conservation measures. But
the Senate will have to devote so
much time to the trust bill or bills
that il cannot dispose of a conServa-
ton program at this session. So much
has been said and promised with re-
spect to conservation, however, that
the Democratic leaders conceive it TO
he wise political strategy to crowd
something through the House.
The short session is not ecod time
TO get important legislation passed, and
so. even If the House starts the ball roll
ing this summer, il does not follow that
tho work begun by the House Will be
finished by the Senate next winter.
Nevertheless. there is a fair chance Of
getting important legislation enacted on
this subject before the life OF the pres
ent Consress ends.
The most important measure proposed
is for the leasing of mineral lands This
is the hill of which Congressman Ferris
Of oklahoma is the author. 1t is found
ed on the plan, not OF conserving the
natural resources OF the public domain
by tying them up, but of developing
those resources by system OF LEASING s
under proper safeguards. Secretary OF
the Interior Franklin h. Lane is
strong advocate of this pian, and ii has
tile support OF many members OF Con-
gross of progressive bent, without re-
spect to party.
Conservation in its initial stages has
been bitterly fought in many States.
especially in the West, because it has
been asserted II meant an unfair with
holding OF natural resources from de-
veiopment. The Ferris bill is an at
tempt to meet this opposition, and at
the same time to hold up the bars
against the men and corporations that
would loot the public lands to the Earm
Of the public and the help of selfish
interests.
The Ferris bill relates to oil, gas,
coal. and phosphate lands. 1t limits
to $50 acres the amount of mineral
lands which can be leased by one party.
ties fixed in the bill. The theory Of
the measure is that it would encourage
the small producer and developer and
would keep the natural resources out
Of the hands of big interests.
Congressman Ferris is chairman Of
the Public Lands Committee Of the
House and will lead the movement to
get this bill passed. 1t will have strong
opposition in the House. part. Of the op-
position will proceed from those who
DO not believe in the leasing system and
advocate the sale of mineral lands on
the old plan. Not all of the friends OF
conservation believe in the bill. although
many of the ablest advocates of that
policy do. 1t will doubtless be possible
under Administration pressure 20 put
the bill through the House. In the Sen
ate il will encounter some strong and
determined opposition. Eventually. If
seems clear, leasing policy will have
un be adopted.