234 Forestry Quarterly 



But any reorganization must perforce depend on practica- 

 bility and expediency. Particularly in the United States, where 

 each bureau must look to a committee of Congress for its appro- 

 priations, it is often considered ill-advised and dangerous to 

 recommend any reductions in estimates. This contention can- 

 not be granted. The bureau that is recognized for its sincerity 

 will fare better than if it has a reputation for bluff ; overestimates, 

 based on the prediction of a cut in these estimates, are mis- 

 leading. But unquestionably in any reorganization the minutiae 

 of statutory roll changes will be a very considerable bugbear; it 

 is usually far easier to drift along. One frequently hears this 

 policy expressed by members of the central bureau: "Keep the 

 men out in the Districts ; there's too many men in here already — 

 if rafts of men come in we'll be top-heavy." But if the total 

 routine and administration work can be done with three quarters 

 the force by concentrating, why not do it even if a large force 

 must be in one town ? 



It looks very much as if the Forest Service had gone after the 

 minute economies indicated by efficiency studies as applied to 

 the ranger and overlooked the broadest phase of its own organi- 

 zation ; more money and better men are needed on the Forest — 

 not in the District Office. 



But often an organization gets into a rut; in judging an inno- 

 vation, men have perchance personal axes to grind. It is for this 

 reason that an independent is in a better position to form his 

 professional judgment without bias. If a friendly investigation 

 of the Forest Service organization were attempted, perhaps it 

 could be best accomplished by a board of three foresters in the 

 employ of the Service under the direction of the Forester. 

 A state forester, a consulting forester with administrative experi- 

 ence, and a representative of the Service. When the final report 

 of this committee had been prepared, a larger advisory com- 

 mittee could vise the detailed recommendations, before the prob- 

 lem was finally decided upon by the Forester and Secretary. 

 There is precedent for such an impartial investigation in the 

 Cleveland Commission appointed by President Taft. It is always 

 easier for an outsider to look impartially at any organization 

 than for those serving in it. 



It is only fair to state that the writer has not been connected 



