Evening star., 1949-04-22
honoeacy Valley 1esI
Area 10 Be Set Up
On Erosion-PoIIution
By Jones eirehf,eld
Star stegt Ceyfs.eoadsas

BEDFORD SPRINGS. Pa. April
22.-The Interstate Commission on
the Potomac River Basin voted
today to Join in the establishment
OF a demonstration area In the
Monocacy River Valley.
The movement originated with
the Frederick County Md Cham
Der OF Commerce TO form an
organization seeking the eo-opera-
tion OF the Frederick and Carroll
County interests in Maryland. and
Adams County in Pennsylvania,
The commission hopes 10 aid IN
the creation OF demonstration
project that will serve as a guide
to the Nation.
Here In q small watershed. II
was stated. pubic and private
forces can JOIN hands TO plan q
more abundant use of all natural
Fesoufrss.ic rc9 sue
Land Use Discussed.
The commissions, action today
followed a meeting OF agriculture
leaders yesterday. at which the
Iamportance Of proper land use TO
pollution control was emphasized.
II was the first time attempts have
been made TO show the relation
ship Of soil erosion TO river pollu-
tion. Yesterdays sessions we're
sponsored by the commission s
land committee.
Asserting that America has
reached turning point in farm
ing practices and nutritional life
because there are no new de-
sirable virgin soils with natural
mineral elements TO exploit" Or I.
Daniel l.. Seckinger. assistant Dis
trict Of Columbia health officer.
told agriculture leaders IL Is now
necessary to improve the soil we
have through research. under
standing OF soil needs and good
farming practices.
I'VE have ample quantities OF
foodstuffs today" DR.. Seckinger
said. Therefore our problem OF
the land Is one OF qualitative de-
ficiencies that cause such diseases
as dental decay. riekets. eoiter.
certain forms Of anemia and prob
ably . host OF other desenerative
diseases.
Warns Against Chemicals.
Or. Seckinger warned farmers
against depending entirely on
chemical fertilizers 70 increase
land fertility.
He quoted the late Sir Albert
Howard. noted English soils au-
thority. to the effect that artificial
manures lead inevitably TO arti-
ficial nutrition. artificial food.
artificial animals and, finally. 70
artificial men and women.
Secretary of Agriculture Bran
nan. In an address delivered by
z. N. Munns Of the Forest Service.
emphasized the necessity OF a fair
income for farmers 10 the best
interest Of other economic groups.
He said the new farm policy OF
direct payments 70 farmers. re-
Gently presented TO Congress. is
designed TO serve all classes,
Agriculture. he said. Is q partner
in the making Of prosperity.
Describes Project Action
Describing the action Of the
Muskingum Valley. Bryce c.
Browning. secretary-treasurer Of
the Muskingum Valley Consery-
ancy District. said the project
was the result of o desire on the
part Of valley people 10 protect
themselves against recurrent dood
damages.
Brig. Gen. Gordon r. Young.
District OF Columbia Engineer
Commissioner. praised the accom-
fpiisnments Of the commission and
urged speed In reducing the alt
load In the river passing Wash
rgton.
Gen. Young pointed out that.
not only viii the District benefit.
but that q richer economy VIII
be possible on the upper streams
through, sound conservation
program.
Following action Of the com
mission today on committee rec
concentrations. l. A. Danse. super
visor AZ materials and processes.
General Motors Corp. viii discuss
industry's stake In water control
at o dinner tonight.
The commission annual sprins
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