32 ANNUAL REPORT OF 



September I appointed Mr. Matthews, assistant chief 

 timber examiner, a fire warden to watch that forest, and 

 he served without charge until the examiners closed their 

 work and left. In February, 1899, on the recommenda- 

 tion of the postmaster at Cass Lake, I appointed Nathan 

 Brooks of that village a fire warden. In an ordinary year 

 a fire warden, under the state law, can be paid for only 

 fifteen day's service, at $2 a day. It could hardly be ex- 

 pected that a fire warden living three miles away and 

 with such small pay could watch against the stealthy acts 

 of "dead-and-down timber" operators. 



The interior department ought to prevent depredations 

 on valuable pine forests. I am informed, however, that 

 while the interior department can prosecute depredators, 

 it is powerless for preventing depredations. A most singu- 

 lar lack indeed! Those who feel interest in preserving 

 some of our most available primeval pine forest for a 

 health resort should address their senators and representa- 

 tives in congress on this subject. There should be an 

 outcry that will be effective. 



REASONS FOR THE PARK. 



The establishment of national parks by the United 

 States is not a new thing. In 1872 the Yellowstone 

 National Park was set apart by congress "as a public 

 park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment 

 of the people." It is under the charge of the interior 

 department, but is policed by troops of the regular army. 

 Congress has expended over $500,000 in building roads 

 in the park and mostly under the direction of a United 

 States engineer. Though distant from centers of popu- 

 lation, it has yet been visited by over 6,000 people in a 

 year. For its scenery, natural phenomena, and as a fish 

 and game preserve it is a wonderful success, and is truly 

 one of the glories of our country. 



