89 



From personal observation it is safe to say tliat the entire local cousumption of tim- 

 ber in tbis Territory does not equal the growth of the forests. Let the Government 

 alford sutiQcieut protection against forest fires, which, through carelessness, annually 

 consume iumiense 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 conclusion, 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 creation by law of a forest commission, to be composed of 

 three competent i)ersons, and to hold office for a i)eriod 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. 



(4) When any Territory shall become a State and shall 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. 



