FOREST RESERVES IN IDAHO. 68 



only for the sake of the timber, but in addition to that the creation 

 of these reserves is in the interests of cattle and sheep OAvners. 



Most important of all, however, so far as south Idaho is concerned, 

 our great national irrigation enterprises can not be carried on any- 

 where successfully unless the great watersheds, with the sources of 

 the streams, are protected. Forest reserves in south Idaho and irri- 

 gation are inseparable. 



There is no reason why we should be in haste to part with our 

 timber or agricultural lands. The State does not need the money, 

 and it is dangerous to pile it up in the treasury. A large amount of 

 money on hand which is not needed to properly carry on the affairs 

 of a State government is a menace. It leads to extravagance, if not 

 to corruption. It has a tendency to create positions for politcal 

 favorites which are neither needed nor useful. With a large amount 

 of unused mone}' in the treasury the expenses of the State adminis- 

 tration steadily and undul}^ increase. The next administration, 

 instead of dropping off from the number of employees and curtailing 

 the extravagance in the different departments, hold on to what they 

 find and add to the number of officers. The increase in our popula- 

 tion and the assessed valuation of our property does not begin to 

 justify the increase in the cost of our present State administration, 

 as compared with the expenses which the builders of our State 

 government consider just, if riot liberal. 



We have legislated for public institutions for which large money 

 appropriations have been made and for which there is no adequate 

 need, and the object of legislators from the different counties is to 

 secure appropriations of money for something in their county, and 

 the ambitious State politicians willingly aid them. A large surplus 

 of money in the treasury of a State or nation is the surest method of 

 debauching a people. Such a surplus is indefensible if accumulated 

 at the expense of a rich legacy. 



Respectfully, Fred T. Dubois. 



Senator Dubois to Editor Boise Statesman. 



Washington, May 15. 1905. 

 My Dear Sir: I inclose you a communication in the form of a 

 circular from Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson to Gifford 

 Pinchot, who is Forester, dated February 1 last. 



This communication sets out plainly the intention of the Govern- 

 ment in regard to forest reserves. 



I wish you would publish this, especially the portion which I have 

 marked, so that the people of our State may understand just what 

 the purposes to be accomplished by the creation of forest reserves are. 

 Unless it is assumed that President Eoosevelt, Secretary of Agricul- 

 ture Wilson, and Forester Pinchot are deliberately^ attempting to de- 

 ceive the people it is our duty, it seems to me, to aid them in the great 

 Avork AA^hich they are endeaA^oring to accomplish for our country. It 

 is a matter of Axry great concern to us. They are entitled to our 

 most earnest and cordial support. 

 Sincerely, yours, 



Fred T. Dubois. 

 Editor Boise Stati^sman, 



Boise^ Idaho. 

 5245 — No. (jT— 05 m 5 



