OUR FOREST HEALTH 187 



the constitutionality of the measure being presented. Then came the 

 familiar delay. Meanwhile boards of trade, chambers of commerce, 

 women's clubs, civic and patriotic organizations and individuals with- 

 out number representing every section of the country, every political 

 creed and practically every social class and interest, poured in letters, 

 telegrams, petitions and resolutions, as one congressman declared, " by 

 the millions." The Senate passed the bill. 



The House Committee on Judiciary, by unanimous vote, on April 

 22, decided as follows : 



Resolved, that the Committee is of opinion that the federal government 

 has no power to acquire lands within a state, solely for forest reserves; but 

 under its constitutional power over navigation, the federal government may 

 appropriate for the purchase of lands and forest reserves in a state, provided 

 it is made clearly to appear that such lands and forest reserves have a direct 

 and substantial connection with the conservation and improvement of the 

 navigability of a river, actually navigable in whole or in part; and any appro- 

 priation made therefor is limited to that purpose. 



Resolved, that the bills referred to in the resolutions of the House, H. E. 

 10,456 and H. R. 10,457, are not confined to such last mentioned purpose, and 

 are therefore unconstitutional. 



This decision, apparently adverse, was really favorable. The bills 

 were at once modified to meet the requirements of the Judiciary Com- 

 mittee and reintroduced. The Agricultural Committee of the House, 

 however, reported a new bill, providing only for a Congressional investi- 

 gation or " junket " during the recess. This passed the House, but 

 went no farther. 



Effort should now be concentrated on the House, to secure the 

 passage, by that body, of the excellent Senate bill. Already the tide 

 of public opinion has risen high in favor of this legislation. It is 

 still rising. An earnest, united, systematized effort, by all concerned, 

 should bring success at the next session of Congress. 



