

89 
From personal observation it is sate (o say that the entire local consumption of tim- 
ber in this Territory does not equal the growth of the forests. Let the Government 
afford sutlicient protection against forest fires, which, through, carelessness, annually 
consume immense quantities of timber, and protect our forests against the inroads 
of scavengers and consumers from other States and Territories, and no fear need be 
entertained as to the preservation of the timber. 
In conelusion, I may be permitted to say that in my opinion a gen- 
eral policy with respect to the public timber lands should embrace the 
following features : 
(1) The withdrawal from sale, entry, or disposal under existing laws 
of all such lands. 
(2) The ereation by law of a forest commission, to be composed of 
three competent persons, and to hold office for a period of five years. 
This commission should be authorized and required (a) to adopt ten- 
tative measures for the protection and preservation of the public for- 
ests; (b) to examine and classify the public timber lands and deter- 
mine what portions should be held permanently as forest reserves, and 
what portions, if any, should be disposed of; (c) to devise and submit for 
the action of Congress a proper system of forest management and ex- 
tension, and a plan for the establishment and endowment of a national 
school of forestry. Congress to make due provision for the necessary 
expenses of the commission. 
(3) The enactment of laws for the protection of forests and the plant- 
ing and cultivation of forest trees should be encouraged in the several 
Territories. eae 
(4) When any Territory shall become a State and shail have instituted 
good and sufficient forest laws, there should be conveyed to such State, 
in trust, the public forest lands within its borders, for the perpetuation 
of the forests thereon. 

