Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-21
Maine Congressman Ad-
dresses House on His
Katahdin Park Plan
THAT SECTION OF PINE
TREE STATE RIVALS
The Yellowstone and Yosemite in
Grandeur and Attractiveness,
and Should Be Preserved


Representative Guernsey has taken
another step forward in his project Tor
. Mount Katahdin National Park. In a
very forceful speech before the House
Ia has set forth the conditions which
reIatc TO this Undertaking and has urged
the House to act soon in acquiring the
valuable forest lands that protect the
hoadwaters of the Kennebec and Pc
nohscot rivers. 1t will be remembered
that the Weeks Law of 1911 by which
the government was authorized to ac-
olire considerable tracts of forest lands
in the Appalachian mountains and IT.
tho White mountains has virtually ex-
nired because all the appropriations
which that law authorized have been
made But $4,000 900 of those appropri
ations were turned back into the treas
urv because the commission, which
congress designated to examine the
lands and certify them as desirable for
purchase. could not complete its work
in time to make those appropriations
available.
Mr. Guernsey has been urging that
at least these $4,000, 900 be reappropriat-
ed But in setting forth the situation.
he presents a formidable array of data
to show why eastern undertakings for
the protection of sources of navigable
rivers should not be abandoned. Mr..
Guernsey has compiled a comprehen-
slve statement of the lands acquired IN
the West as national forests and he
has also cited the numerous acts for
establishing pleasure parks in that sec
ton of the country.
The refusal of Congress to make
available this 100000 declared the
Fourth district congressman. that had
been previously appropriated amounts
to a reputation of governmental obll-
cations that Congress entered into with
the people in 1911. l want TO say here
] have every reason to believe that the
distinguished chairman Of the commit
tee on agriculture, as we'll as many of
the members Of that House committee,
believe that Congress is in honor bound
TO keep those obligations and are not In
any way in sympathy with the discon-
tinuance of government eastern forestry
undertakings
After mentioning the numerous ma
tional parks in the West, such as the
Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier park,
and others. all serving now, as they
will continue to serve, purposes so use
ful that none will question their con-
FINANCE so long as this government
stands" Mr.. Guernsey points out that
the Importance of these trans Missis-
sippi parks in the eyes of all the people
Of the United States adds emphasis 10
conditions that exist in that section
Of our country that lies east of the
Mississippi river and within the bounds
Of which live two thirds of the popula-
ZION of the republic, a condition as to
population that will always prevail.
The Atlantic seaboard will always be
the most populous as the commerce Of
the world will continue for all time on
the Atlantic.
East of the Mississippi river there is
not single National park that the
millions in the eastern states can visit
and enjoy. a condition that ought not
TO he continued and one that Congress
can remedy"
Then he describes the conditions
around the headwaters of the kennebec
ana Penobscot in the vicinity of Mount
katahdin. 1t contains, said Mr.
Huernsey. the greatest natural fish
and game preserve in North America,
east Of the Mississippi. This remark
"hle region is within easy access to the
people Of the eastern United States
II may not contain curative hot springs,
"ut u has life giving atmosphere that
las long acted as a ma gnet to the
"eaith and pleasure seeking people Of
the nation
II may not equal the Yellowstone N
seSsefs' canyons and petrified forests,
out \ has fascinating streams, deep
sorses and the fir and the pine. It
"'a' not possess the world-famed beau |
'es OF the Yosemite. but there are those /,
Nho contend that it possesses features |
efuaiIT as attractive. The Importance !
VI congress taking steps to save Mount !
Maldhdln region to the people of the !
em'ed States can not be overestimated. |
'"ce this forest is removed an asset Of |
S'eat national value will be gone"
Inc speech also emphasizes the ad- |
,'''ages which would accrue from !
,uaAihg this park a refuge for wild life !
."e establishment of park would also |
me locality from the menace of |
ne hunters guns and enable CAMPERS
20 there and enjoy the scenery ana |
sam health and recreation