The Fallon standard. (Fallon, Nev.) 1920-1958, 1920-07-29

II have also given 1t as my opin-
ion that the mere filing of the appli-
cation vests no rights in the appli-
cant, and that IL producing we'll is
brought in before such permits are
allowed, that 1t Will not be within
the power of the Secretary OF the
mits that are upon the geological
and that he will undoubtedly with
hold action upon such applications
until the structure surrounding
such oil we'll is definitely defined
by the geologists OF the Department.
This, in the nature of the situation
has aroused great deal of uneasi-
ness. Drilling operations are now
in progress In the field. 1t is pos
sible that a producing well will be
brought in any day. A number of
these people have been prepared for
some time to commence their sink
ing operations under the permits
they have applied for. but have
been deferred by reason OF the fail
ure of action upon their applications
for permits They feel that the De-
partment OF the Interior is doing
them a grave injustice in placing
them In a position by such delay
where they will probably be com
PEELED to bid for lease under sec
tion II, while at the same time they
have long been ready and willing to
take the benefits offered by the
government under section ID.
Il am aware that great number
OF applications for permits have
been filed, not only from Nevada,
but from other states, that require
investigation by large force. and
that congress has not adequately
provided the Department with such
force. also realize that there are
many conflicting applications In
yolying claimants under the various
provisions of the bill. II is evident
that such conflicting claims must
necessitate investigation by the De-
partment and consequent delay.
am sure that the Department realiz-
ing the conditions, will hatsen these
Investigations as rapidly as possible.
There are, however, In Nevada.
many applications for permits upon
land that is undoubtedly subject
only to development under the per-
NIT, and wherein there are no con
fiicting claimants. II would seem
that such applications should be
segregated and acted upon at the
earliest possible moment. | have
taken issue with the Secretary of
the Interior. as you know. with re-
gard to many constructions under
the rules placed upon the act. |
have presented my contentious as
well as / might. The Secretary has
been very fair, frank and full in the
presentation of his construction of
the act and l now accept ii as final.
/ realize that the final jurisdiction
lies with him, and therefore, l am
attempting to advise my constitu-
ents to the end that they may best
protect themselves under the law as
II is evident 1t will be construed by
tile Secretary. Having taken this
liberty, am equally anxious that
those who are actually engaged in
prospecting for oil have their status
determined without delay and with
out further loss to them. While.
under the act, the entire jurisdic-
tion is vested in the Secretary OF
the Interior. and while / know that
he is taking a deep personal inter-
est in these matters. l assume that
he has delegated to you the pri-
mary duty of determining and act
ing upon the questions that l have
been discussing ! do not desire to
place any additional burdens upon
the Secretary. but | am certain that
many of these questions must be
submitted to him and considered by
him in finally determining the poll
cy of the Department. and | there
fore will take the liberty of pre-
senting to him, at the earliest pos
sible moment. copy OF this letter
as a matter of courtesy which | al
ways wish to- show him and for his
personal information, should he de-
sire TO give the matter his personal
attention.
Very sincerely yours.
KEY PITTMAN.'