XXX INTRODUCTION 



dustrial conditions will be avoided by gradual adjustment 

 after due notice, and where conflicting interests must be 

 reconciled the question will always be decided from the stand- 

 point of the greatest good of the greatest number in the long 



HOW THE NATIONAL FOREST POLICY HAS 

 BENEFITED THE PEOPLE 



This general policy, which was laid down by the 

 Secretary of Agriculture, has been followed out, 

 with the result that a great many benefits have 

 been derived by the nation as a whole, by the in- 

 dividual States in which the National Forests are 

 located, and, lastly, by the local communities and 

 users of the Forests. 



The Remaining Timber Resources Were Saved. 

 First of all the timber, the forage, and the water- 

 power on the public domain has been reserved for 

 the whole people and not for a privileged few. 

 Before the Forest Reserve policy went into effect, 

 the most valuable timber was being withdrawn from 

 government ownership by the misuse of the public 

 land laws, vi'hose purpose and intent were fraudu- 

 lently evaded. Many claims were initiated appar- 

 ently for the purpose of establishing a homestead 

 but in reality for the purposes of securing the tim- 



