273 



perly. The attempts hitherto of regulating the cutting of timber have remained 

 futile for the lack of an organized system, and of the necessary force to maintain 

 a system. 



The license system here provided recognizes the various demands of settlers, 

 prospectors, miners, and lumbermen as legitimate, and necessary to be provided 

 for differently according to the nature of their business and in an equitable man- 

 ner. 



When all needs of the population can be legitimately satisfied, with a suffi- 

 cient force of officers to attend to the wants of the public in a business-like 

 manner, there is no reason why the existing vandalism with which the public 

 timber domain has been wasted should not cease, destructive fires be reduced to 

 a minimum, a system of proper forest conservancy gradually be developed, and 

 the American nation add to its civilization by a rational treatment of the forests 

 of the public domain at least. 



In conclusion the fact is recalled that, as long ago as 1879 the writer of 

 this report took occasion to refer to this subject before the Senate in the follow- 

 ing language (see Congressional Record, February 10, 1879) : 



There is another subject, Mr. President, not strictly agricultural, and yet so closely allied 

 to that interest as to demand consideration always when agricultural questions are under dis- 

 cussion. I refer to the preservation of our forest lands from denudation. Those who have in- 

 vestigated and given much thought to the matter declare that the wholesale destruction of the 

 forests of a country, without providing for a new growth, not only seriously affects the material 

 interests but impairs the health and comfort of all the inhabitants thereof. Bitter experience 

 long ago taught the people of the Old World that they could not with safety wage indiscriminate 

 war against their trees. Nature is, indeed, a kind mother to those who exercise an intelligent 

 regard for her habits and her laws, but she is at times terrible in her wrath against those who 

 blindly defy her decrees. The laying waste of the forests of a country rudely disturbs that har- 

 mony between nature's forces which must be maintained if the earth is to be kept habitable 

 for its teeming millions. 



We have ourselves heretofore sadly neglected these considerations, but our government can- 

 not and must not much longer refuse to give to them its most serious attention. If we may not 

 with propriety restrain the individual from injuring his own property, we can and should at 

 least furnish information and devise plans through intelligent legislation, which shall incite him 

 to cooperate with his neighbor to protect their common interests. Most European Governments 

 have elaborated methods whereby they exercise a supervisory control over the forests of their 

 dominions, and one day the public welfare will demand that our government shall follow their 

 example. The subject is a practical one ; it is not a dream of the theorist ; it concerns the 

 pockets of the people and their welfare in many ways. 



Considering the very great importance of this measure early passage of the 

 bill is recommended. 



18 (F.) 



