FORESTRY. 175 
(At this point Mr. Barrett explained, by means of a map 
which he exhibited to the society, the nature and extent of the 
territory which it is proposed to include in the proposed 
national park. ) 
Mr. Underwood: I would like to ask Mr. Barrett if he can 
state the points made by the opposition. 
Mr. Barrett: There is no question but that the main point 
of the opposition is that of greed. Personally I do not in- 
criminate anybody, but evidently the object is to so manage 
that territory as to accumulate wealth into the hands of a 
few, reckless of consequences. Mr. Thompson raised the 
objection that the laws were inadequate to meet the demands, 
and we have conceded that point. Prof. Fernow, at Wash- 
ington, canvassed the situation in a public speech, and stated 
that congress would have to reconsider our land laws, on an 
occasion similar tothis. And there is no doubt but that the 
matter will have to run that gauntlet, to its peril, and laws be 
enacted which will be adapted to the situation. Another objec- 
tion that is raised is, that we interfere with the mining industry. 
Now you will see by the paper which I read that we encourage 
mining and all other industries. So we meet every objection 
thus far raised. Ithink that behind the claim of the opposition 
there is undoubtedly a secret, monopolistic scheme to obtain 
possession of our woodlands. Now I have a communication 
from persons in Montana interested in the reserve system, who 
state that there is opposition there, and it is solely because 
there is lumber there which these syndicates are determined to 
have. It is the same way in California. 
Mr. Wilcox: Perhaps for the information of Mr. Underwood 
and the committee, I had better state one or two points in 
opposition that struck me more forcibly that it did Mr. Barrett. 
_ One point which they emphasized in particular was the fact 
that under the laws in reference to the park or reservation, 
like that under which the Yellowstone Park was created, the 
lands are absolutely set apart with no provision for allowing 
railroads through the reservation, except by special act of 
congress. Mr. Thompson states that certain railroads have 
tried to get across the corner of the Yellowstone Park, and the 
right has been refused to them; and he holds that in the devel- 
opment of Duluth and the northern regions of the state, that 
such a provision would be injurious, and says, that already 
there are lines of railroads planned which will necessarily cross 
this forest reserve, and that such an act as that which governs 
