The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1922-09-27
MOSCOW MOUNTAIN
IS ASSET TO CITY
SENATOR LEWIS AND OTHERS
URGE ITS VALUE AS AN AT
TRACTION TO TOURISTS.

The disastrous fire of the past week
which burned over more than 1000
acres on the south slope of the Mos
COW mountains, and which was only
prevented from marring entirely much
of the mountain side, by the efficient
work Of the forestry department of the
University of Idaho and citizens OF
Moscow, was the principal subject OF
| discussion at the chamber Of COM
merce luncheon Wednesday,.
Senator M. e. Lewis who had charge
of arrangements to get men to the
fire front on Monday called atten-
ton to the recreational and scenic
value of the chain of mountains to
Moscow and urged that steps be taken
by the community to protect this as
set. He urged that an automobile road
be built from Moscow to the top of the
mountains and said that the city would
then be able to offer scenic trip
which, when coupled with a drive over
the Lewiston grade, would attract
thousands of Columbia highway tour
lists over this route. He said that au-
tomobile touring is one Of the great
national institutions and will continue
to grow, and that Moscow cannot af.
ford to overlook the opportunity which
the possession of these mountains
gives her to draw the tourists through
this city. He urged that the chamber
of commerce take up the matter of
construction of an autOmOb bile road to
the mountain summit.
That the fire was started by care
less brush burners is his opinion. and
he said that it should be made plain
that Moscow resents the carlessness
which endangers the beauty of the
mountain. He said that he had never
known Moscow to show better spirit
of cooperation than was shown dur
ing the four days when it was nee
eSsary to have a large force of men
on the fire line. The labor was all
volunteer. He mentioned especially
Professor G. E. Behre, of the school
of forestry at the university, who had
charge of the crews, and who, him
self, worked day and night.
Professor Behre was called upon
and said that hunters from Moscow
and other towns, as well as the set
tiers who burned brush, were care
less and suggested the necessity of
a statewide fire law, under which !
some county officer would be fire
warden, and could at once take charge
in case of fire. He said delay in
the present fire was caused
from the fact that there was no one
who felt free to take the initiative |
in the matter
Dean F. G. Miller of the school of |
forestry, spoke of the value of the |
forest covered mountains to Moscow
and urged that means be taken to
conserve the timber.
B. G. Rowe moved that a vote of
thanks be extended to all who aided
in getting the fire under control. The
motion carried by unanimous vote.
Professor Comrada, athletic coach
at the Moscow high school, was in
reduced and announced the football
game for next Saturday between the
Moscow and Hillyard high school
cams. The new coach made most
favorable impression upon the busi-
lessmen present
Ray Carter moved that committee
# three be named by the president
% investigate means whereby the
,eauty of Moscow mountain, may be
preserved. President Hagan with
ield the naming of the committee
lntil tomorrow