Road-side Vandalism. 



ROF. C. D. LAWTON, who has long been interested 

 in the mining and forestry resources of Michigan, 

 in a strong plea for Michigan forests made before 

 a farmers' convention, called attention to the 

 vandalism practiced along our highways in the 

 following vigorous language : 



"One of the great calamities, in this regard, that has befallen 

 us of late is the destructive practice of telephone and electric 

 wire companies. These companies have set their posts and 

 strung their wires along our highways and streets in a manner 

 and with the result that gives one the heartache to note the 

 destruction and injury they have caused to shade trees. Along 



our chief thoroughfares, occupied by these wires, one sees 

 great, noble old trees that have been landmarks since the set- 

 tlement of the country, or fine rows of maples, ruthlessly cut 

 down and destroyed or mutilated beyond recovery and recog- 

 nition. In our cities and villages the electric light wires con- 

 stitute a great evil, when regarded in the light of shade trees. 

 "The trees are mutilated unnecessarily, and this should be 

 stopped. These companies using wires have no right to destroy 

 trees. They usually first secure the signature of the owners of 

 the land abutting on the highway which they wish to occupy, 

 representing their purpose as the most innocent and harmless 

 in the world. But the lease when signed gives the company 

 full swing and allows the cutting of trees as it sees fit. The 

 safety is in not signing anything, but standing by and not 

 allowing the trees to be cut or injured." 



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