FOREST LANDS FOR THE PROTECTION OF WATERSHEDS. 59 



questions of the most peninent nature, some of which should have 

 been answered in a more pertinent way than they have been an- 

 swered ; and the only reason, perhaps, that they were not answered as 

 conclusively or as convincingly as they should have been may have 

 been because the questions have been asked of the wrong man, and 

 some of us feel that when we are asked a question on a subject with 

 which we are not perfectly familiar we ought to be frank enough to 

 say we are not familiar with that subject and that somebody else 

 ought to be asked that question, and therefore not jeopardize a case, 

 the real merits of which we are most anxious to uphold. We have 

 with us a large number of people who would like to have been heard. 

 We have the president of the Orange Judd Agricultural Publishing 

 Company; Ralph W. Pope, secretary of the American Institute of 

 Electrical Engineers; Herbert Nj^oick; Mr. E. A. Start, secretary of 

 the Massachusetts Forestry Association; and Mr. F. W. Rane, state 

 forester of Massachusetts. I would like to have the stenographer to 

 take their names as being among those present who would like to have 

 been presented to your committee ; and in thanking you, we sincerely 

 hope in fact, we feel confident that nothing we can say can further 

 impress you gentlemen with the importance and significance of what 

 we are asking, and if there is anything that we can do to help you to 

 find a way, we would like to do it, and we sincerely hope you will find 

 a way. 



The CHAIRMAN. The committee feels that it is under obligations to 

 you, to Governor Guild, and to the other governors and gentlemen 

 who have appeared here to-day, for the information that has been 

 brought before us. We hope you realize that it is one thing to notice 

 a desirable object to be gained, and quite another thing to assume 

 the responsibility of determining exactly the means through which 

 that object shall be reached. I realize myself that those who have 

 been for so many years advocating this measure may feel justified in 

 a degree of resentment, if I might use so strong a term, at the delays 

 that have resulted. 



Mr. HARVEY. If I may interrupt you, Mr. Chairman, t would 

 rather say that I think there is no feeling represented here by anyone 

 of resentment ; it is rather one of sorrow that it has not been possible 

 to take this action. 



The CHAIRMAN. I felt as if I were using a little stronger word 

 than the occasion required, but the right one did not come to my 

 mind. The idea I wish to convey to your mind, however, and to the 

 minds of the other gentlemen here, is that this committee appreciates 

 the responsibility that rests upon it, and is earnestly and honestly 

 and patriotically trying to do its duty in the premises, and I wish to 

 repeat the expression of my thanks to you and those who have been 

 here for the help you have 'given us. 



Mr. HARVEY. It gives me great pleasure to state sincerely that I 

 believe every one who has appeared before you honestly believes that 

 the committee is honest and sincere and anxious to do what can be 

 done, if it can find a way to do it. 



(Thereupon, at 4 o'clock p. m., the committee adjourned.) 



