New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1921-01-14

though not entire emphasis for the time being on
fire prevention, as the most important single STEP
and not less than a million dollars annually aNah-
able for such cooperation with states.
A survey to obtain necessary information as 10
forest resources, forest production and forest re-
quirements of the nation.
Provision for studies and experiments in forest
reproduction methods, wood utilization, tmoer
tests, wood preservation, development OF Dy-prou-
ucts and other steps to bring about the most ehec-
tive use of the nations forest resources
Provision for a study of forest taxation, to as
slst states In devising tax laws which VIII ehcour-
age the conservation and growing OF TIMBER Aiso
Of methods of insuring against forest losses ny
fire.
Provision for more rapid replanting of the vast
areas of denuded lands within the national forests.
Appropriation of ten million dollars n year Tor
five years for the purchase of lands when shouiu
be added to the national forest system. whether or
not on the headwaters Of ~navigable streams Us
such purchases are now limited.
Authorizing acquisition Of similar lands by eN-
changes Of land or timber when clearly In the pup
lie interest.
Authorizing the addition to national forests OF
lands now In other forms Of government owner
shin, but found chiefly suitable for permanent Tor
est production.
.There appear to be two schools OF thought IN
connection with the national forest problem says
NJ Weston. 1.-THE extreme conservationists appear
to be advocating absolute government control or
timber, not only that owned by the government
but also timber owned by states ana indiViduais'
The other school advocates the development OF a
uniform policy on the part OF the government
providing for cooperation on the part OF the gov
eminent with state and individual owners.
awhile the first policy may be theoretically
ideal. II IL obvious that before II can be put Into
nractIce the federal government would Invade the
rights of the states and individuals to an extent
UNPRECEDENTED In the history of the government.
az am heartily In accord with the suggested
form of legislation Endorsed by the New York con-
ference. 1t is my opinion that II Includes the es-
sentials necessary, not only for the protection OF
the existing forests, but for their perpetuation and
conversion into an increasing asset"
Mr.. Weston's Endorsement of Mr.. Packs legis-
,a,ive nrogram emphasizes the fact that In tack
ling the forest problem, congress has a big job
ahead Of 1t. Mr.. Weston indorses 1t because OF
It's contrast with the plan Of absolute government
control Of timber. Nevertheless, there are many
neople who will consider even Mr.. Packs program
as altogether too .nationahstic.
Some of the eastern states will doubtless feel
that way, especially those which are well along
in n constructive and effective state forest policy
of their own.
Then there are people who regard the Depart
ment of Agriculture as already too big and I'M
wIeldy. They are likely to object to giving the
secretary of agriculture the additional power he
would get through this legislation.
There are people who harshly criticize the for
est service, in charge of the national forests.
They are disappointed that the forest service,
after fifteen years of control of the national for
ests. still has an annual deficit of about S2,OOO,OOO.
They think the national forests are large enough
now-they now number 152 and contain 1SO.299,
776 acres, of which n little over SO per cent Is
public land their net increase last year was g.
OBS. 1888 acres. Some even charge the forest serv-
ice with neglect of fire protection and other legiti-
mate activities. while promoting its recreation
schemes in the national parks. There Is a bill
pending in congress to restore the national for
ests to the Interior department, from which they
were taken in 1905.
Doubtless. all of the activities suggested by
MFR. Pack have merit. The question is: what
agency is 10 undertake them? IL congress can
reconcile the warning partisans, get them united
on n national forest policy and program and pass
legislation that Will embody the best ideas Of all
interests, the country will be surprised. delighted
and grateful.