Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-12-06
Need Development
Natural Resources
Sec. Falls Belief

Washington. Dec 5.-tse and de-
vclopment of the country's natural
resources under control of the In
terror Department have contributed
IN great measure to national stabil-
ization and prosperity, Secretary Fall
declared today in his annual report.
The secretary listed the more out
standing Of these contributions as OPP
portunities for home making upon
public lands by returned soldiers
and other citizens: the discovery Of
new oil fields: development of exist
Ing fields and increasing production
of oil and its products; the exploita-
tlon OF coal deposits, and the opening
Of mines in the Western states.
incidentally. the Interior Secretary
declared, these developments have
resulted In very substantial cash re-
turns 10 the Federal Treasury and to
the various states in which these
mineral resources have been devel-
oped under leading laws.
The outstanding administrative ac-
complement OF the department dur
ing the fiscal year ended last June
30 was declared TO be reaching al
most Of current work in both the
Land office and the Pension office.
The examination of final homestead
proofs is current in the former ONCE,
situation which has not existed for
many years. the secretary said. This,
he added. has already resulted in
placing in the hands Of the people
assets valued at more than $50, 00O. 900
and II has been done without in
crease in force Of that Office and in
the face OF greatly increasing work
Wider extension Of the reclamation
policy In former arid lands of the
West was recommended in the report
which showed that while funds were
restricted for that work the achieve
ments Of the Reclamation Service
justified the continuation Of the re-
clamation policy. One new irriga-
ton project was started despite lack
NJ funds. and the total value of crops
raised on reclaimed lands was esti-
M Hed nj more than $4,000, 900. The
BENEFITS in tho way Of making homes,
increase Of food production and addi-
ton 10 the national wealth by the
reclamation Of lands make that work
Of great value in return to prosperity,
tho report asserted
Education of Indians. which falls
10 the lot OF the Interior Department,
has been greatly promoted. The at
tendance at Indian schools for the
past year was 5000 greater than in
amy previous year. A special effort
TO provide greater health facilities TO
The Indian through more hospitals
and more extensive nursing service
was made.
More than 10000 pension claims
were disposed Of during the year by
the Bureau of Pensions. and $4,000
applications for pensions, the accum-
ulation In March 1921. were handled,
practically bringing that work up to
date. The total number Of pension
ers on the rolls at the end Of the fiscal
year was 547.ols. being 19,0S7 less
Than the previous year. The amount
disbursed for pensions WIS s253.SO7.-
$50. Increasing efficiency in this SER
vice was attestcd In by the decrease
In the cost OF adjudication and pay
mcnt.
A record breaking number Of appli-
cations for patents in this country
wa. received by the Patent Office.
more than 113.5oo. This has caused
great need of increased Office forces.
md II the increase in the work con-
tnues AT the rate OF the past three
years. the director reported. II may
he necessary further 10 augment the
number Of employees. The Patent
office is selk supporting institution.
Mr.. Fan pointed out. adding that last