26 First Annual Report of the 



Between October 10 and November 30 last the commission 

 inspected and reported on no less than 46 dams in this State. 

 They were found generally in a neglected condition. Many of 

 the older type of wooden dams had been continued in use, which 

 were built when the country was unsettled and surrounding prop- 

 erty of slight value; others were poorly constructed earth dams. 

 But the old structures were not alone faulty. Five solid masonry 

 dams, in process of construction, were condemned. In all, 38 

 of the 46 dams were found defective ; in some cases entire rebuild- 

 ing, and in others, repairs, were recommended. The commission 

 is pleased to add that in every case its recommendations are being 

 cheerfully complied with. 



These investigations will be actively continued. The commis- 

 sion proposes to see to it that every old dam in the State is made 

 safe, that no new dam shall be constructed which is not safe. To 

 the end that adequate power in this regard may be vested in the 

 commission, we recommend that the law be amended. 



LEGAL BUREAU. 



It is contemplated by the Conservation Law that all legal mat- 

 ters shall be carried on under the direct supervision of the com- 

 mission and its counsel at its main office. Heretofore local attor- 

 neys had been employed throughout the State at great expense, 

 with unsatisfactory results. Upon the organizing of the commis- 

 sion its counsel found that there were pending in the various 

 counties of the State upwards of 200 suits for injunctions, tres- 

 pass and penalties, many of the cases involving the question of the 

 State's title to large tracts of forest lands and the enforcement of 

 the laws intended to lessen the danger from forest fires. 



All attorneys representing the State's interest were requested 

 to send their cases to the commission with substitutions, and at 

 this time the Deputy Attorney-General assigned to the work of 

 the commission has on his calendars every action and appeal in- 

 volving proceedings authorized by the commission or its prede- 

 cessors. 



Many cases heretofore commenced were found to be without 

 merit and have been promptly discontinued, and we are now scru- 

 tinizing carefully the proofs in all complaints before ordering 



