, 1921-10-13

f.. Br1mmer and published in The
Rawlins Republican and the Wyo-
ming State Tribune under date OF
October 9Th relative to the oil in.
dustry in this state, was called to
the attention Of Governor Carey and
under date Of October eth the Gov
n issued a statement which was
published in the Wyoming State
Tribune. In the statement which the
Governor Issued he advised the
people that he would gladly call a
special session Of the legislature II
anything could be accomplished by
such an act upon his part. The
Governor also requested advice as to
what action could be taken by the
legislature II convened in special
session that would result in remedy
ing of existing conditions.
In response to the inquiry made by
h Governor, Mr.. Brimmer issued a
statement which was published in the
Wyoming State Tribune on October
9Th. In this statement Section 80 of
Article l of the Wyoming Constitu-
ton was quoted. This section reads
as follows:
"Perpetuities and moqopolies are
contrary to the genius of a free state.
and shall not be allowed. Corpora
lions being creatures of the State.
endowed for the public good with a
portion of Its sovereign powers,
must be subject to its control"
The statement then quoted Sec
ton 1886. Chapter 389 Of the Wyo-
ming Compiled Statutes for 1920. to
the affect that an action of Quo
warranto could be brought in the
name of the State for the purpose OF
ousting a corporation from the
State.
20. When 1t has misused a fran
chise or privilege conferred upon 1t
by law. or exercised 4 franchise or
privil~ge%nOt 10 conferred"
The statement for 1890. which
provides that the Attorney General.
when directed by the Governor. shall
commence action in the name OF the
State against the corporation which
has misused a franchise or privilege
conferred upon It by law.
The statement issued by Mr..
Brimmer in response to the inquiry
Of the Governor is set forth else
where in this issue.
Following the two articles al
lChuyp uuILolSup IHc IA
statement has been issued by Mr..
Brimmer.
The major portion of the oil and
gas land in the State of Wyoming
ia owned by the Federal Government.
The leases are issued by the Govern
ment under the provisions Of the oil
and gas act. In Salt Creek particu-
larly. practically all of the oil and
gas lands are owned by the Federal
Government. and operated under
permits and leases issued by the
Federal Government.
"sec. 80. Each lease shall con-
tain provisions for the purpose of
insurIng tho exercise of reasonable
diligence, skill and care In the
operation OF said property; a provi-
sion that such rules for the safety
and welfare Of the miners and for
the prevention of undue waste as may
he prescribed by said Secretary shall
be observed. including a restriction
of the workday to not exceeding
eight hours in any one day for under
ground workers except in cases OF
emergency; provisions prohibiting
the employment of any boy under
the age Of sixteen or the employment
of any girl or woman. without re-
gard to age, In any mine below the
surface; provisions securing the
workmen complete freedom Of pur-
chase; provision requiring the pay
ment Of wages at least twice a month
in lawful money of the United States.
and providing proper rules and reg
ulations to insure the fair and Just
weighing or measurement Of the coal
mined by each miner. and such other
provisions - he may deem necessary
to insure the sale Of the production
Of such leased lands to the United
6tates and to the public at reasonable
prices, for the protection Of the inter-
e&ts Of tho United States, for the
prevention Of monopoly. and for the
safeguarding Of the public welfare;
Provided, That none OF such provis-
ions shall conflict with the laws of
the State in which the leased prop
erty is situated" /,
Under the provisions Of the oil and
gas act, the Department Of the Inter-
Tor Of the United States prepared,
and are uttlising. . form OF oil and
gas lease which provides:
''Sec. 8. The lessor expressly re-
serves: ssss
(d) Monopoly and fair prices
Full power and authority 70 carry
out and enforce all the provisions oi
0ection 80 Of the act, to insure tbs
sale Of production Of such leased
slands to the United States and to thu
SnNlic at reasonable prices. TO pre-
ut monopoly. and to safeguard tn
puhlis welfare"
sottlon II OF the oil and gas leas
Ing ~ " n the following words:
ssTAat any lease issued under tn
I protasSoas Of this act may be for