26 FOREST RESERVES IN IDAHO. 



Did I not believe that there was a threat of great injury to the 

 State of Idaho in the creation of these forest reserves. I certainly 

 should not urge these objections, but I know whereof I speak, and all 

 of the theories and reasons from the standpoint of those who are 

 seeking to find reasons for tying up these vast areas of the State 

 fall to the ground in the face of practical experience and observation. 



I do not think that I can be charged with a desire to Avreck the 

 present or future prospects of Idaho by the destruction of its 

 resources. 



I desire distinctly to be understood that I do not approve of the 

 reservations referred to under the head of those approved by me 

 to the extent of such reserves as withdrawn or proposed. I approve 

 of creation of the reserves of a proper size at the headwaters of the 

 Payette, Sawtooth, Lake Henry, and Yellowstone, but there is not 

 the slightest occasion for the creation of reserves at these i3oints 

 aggregating over 5.000.000 acres of land. 



Every acre of the proposed Coeur d'Alene Reserve is within railroad 

 limits, and would result in the creation of '' scrip " or exchange right 

 in lieu thereof to the railroad. The Priest Eiver Reservation is also 

 all within the railroad limits, and represents an issuance of •' scrip " 

 for every alternate section. 



Mr. Pinchot is mistaken in his conclusion as to the temper of the 

 people in Shoshone County, or in any other mining section of Idaho, 

 in regard to the creation of these reservations. 



The people of Idaho are more largely native-born citizens than 

 those of any other State in the Union. Their educational standard 

 is above the average. Their patriotism is unquestioned. The people 

 of no State in the Union are more trustworthy guardians of the 

 interest of the United States in Idaho as are the people of Idaho. 



Forest reserves have been, and are now, being used as the means of 

 perpetrating the grossest frauds upon the Go^'ernment in securing 

 its public lands through the means of " exchange right ■' as to the 

 railroad lands and other Government grams. 



The timber steal referred to exists because of the incompetency of 

 the Government officials Avhose duty it is to prevent the crime, but 

 that does not afford a reason for doing an injur}^ to a State or the 

 people thereof by shutting out the settler and home maker. 



Give us a little home rule in Idaho in regard to these matters. 

 Give us the benefit of the judgment of intelligent American citizens 

 whose interest in the State, as well as in the Government, is con- 

 scientious and capable, and there will be none of this controversy; 

 the Government interests will be protected more fully than they now 

 are. Xotwithstanding my frequent protests and direction of the 

 attention of the Government representatives to the devastation of the 

 forests by timber stealers, it has gone on, and it will go on, if the 

 attention of the officers of the Government can be diverted from these 

 important questions to the pursuit of imaginary evils as to what 

 might occur elsewhere but does not. 



As requested, I return you herewith the letter from Mr. Pinchot 

 to yourself under date of June 12, together Avith the papers additional 

 thereto. 



Sincerely, yours, W. B. Heyburn. 



