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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 13, 1903)
THE MORNING OREGONIAN, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1903. FOREST RESERVES IN OREGON OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU, Wash ington, Oct, 5. The scheme to create a forest reserve In the Rogue River Coun try, In Southwestern Oregon, originated In the fertile brain of Hon. Blnger Her mann, now Congressman and ex-Com-mlssloncr of the Land Office. This may be news to many good citizens of Ore gon, who perhaps recall the pronounced terms In which Mr. Hermann, when the agitation was at Its height a year and a half ago, protested against the crea tion of the reserve, and brought forward such convincing reasons that the Sec retary of the Interior was persuaded the .proposition ought to be abandoned. Yet this powerful influence against the re serve was wielded by the -same Mr. Her mann who had previously taken position on the fence, and on both sides of the fence, as will be shown by the facts here narrated. Two years ago, in July, 1901, to be more exact. The Oregonian correspondent called on Mr. Hermann, then Commis sioner of the General Land Office, and asked for a full and comprehensive state ment" Showing what Interests and what persons were at work endeavoring to se cure the creation of the Rogue River forest reserve. The result of that Inter view was fully set forth In a dispatch which appeared in The Oregonian under .date of July 23. 190L First Move for the Reserve. As was stated at the time, the Com missioner gave the correspondent to un derstand that a reserve in Southwestern Oregon was first contemplated by Spe cial Agent Bender, and was later recom mended by the Geological Survey. The Commissioner added he was "personally acquainted with Bender," and believed him to be a thoroughly conscientious and straightforward man, who had the Inter ests of the Government and the state at heart. In his dispatch telling of the interview the correspondent said: In the opinion of Mr. Hermann; a reserve In Southwestern Oregon. If not an actual necessity, would be of great advantage, not only in preserving the timber of that sec tion, but as a protection to the water sup ply. Owing: to the cutting of timber which has already progressed in that section, he says the streams of Southwestern Oregon have already diminished remarkably In size. On this account he hopes to Bee some step taken which will afford an adequate pro tection to the water supply. Tfils opinion of Commissioner Her mann was conveyed by a general con versation which he did not care to have quoted, and as the statement was never criticised or denied, the conclusion drawn was presumably correct. . Records Aot to Be Seen. But during that same ( interview, the correspondent asked Mr. Hermann If there were any other recommendations on file favoring a Rogue River reserve. To this the Commissioner replied that "he could recall" no other recommendations. When pressed to refresh his memory by con sulting the files of his office, and to allow the correspondent to tatoe a squint at the precious papers, thf Commissioner explained that the records were "not pub lic property and could not be disclosed." Thanks to the broadmlndednesa of the new administration In the General Land Office, The Oregonian correspondent has recently had access to these same files that were so cautiously guarded by Com missioner Hermann. Not only has he had a squint at the papers, but he has handled and read every letter, telegram and report pertaining to the proposed re serve In Southwestern Oregon, and has had the same privilege with regard to the press copies of all outgoing correspond ence on the same subject. That he has seen all the records he Is convinced, for in making his examination he had at his elbow the departmental docket, show ing all letters received and all sent, with dates, names and brief 'summaries of each. By checking up, nothing was overlooked. Some papers, of course, are of little consequence. Others proved to be of great moment, and intense Inter est. Perhaps the following quotations may show why it was that under the former administration the records of the Land Office were "not public property. Order of Hermann to Bender. It was with difficulty that the original letter pertaining to a Rogue River re serve could be found. It was not regu larly entered, and from outward aPPear ances the scheme started In the middle. Finally the much-sought paper was dis covered, and it read as follows: Washington, D. C. March 10-Edward Ben der, Esq.. Special Agent. G. L. O. Dear Sir: Immediately upon the completion of the In vestigation and reports directed by my letter of February 18. 1808, you will proceed to the vicinity of the headwaters of the south -fork of the Coqullle River, in Oregon, with a view to determining whether the cedar forests of that region should be reserved. It royy also be well to examine the forests along the Rogue River and tributaries with the same object in view. (Signed) BINGER HERMANN'. This letter was addressed to Bender at Washington, D. C. but by order of the Commissioner (noted in the records) It was mailed to him at Myrtle Point, his home. If Bender was carrying out the Instructions of February 18, he was not at Myrtle Point, but deep in the Cascade Forest Reserve, "studying the sheep-grazing problem." Which he could not well do at that season of the year. But who, pray, is Bender? The Com missioner two years ago said he knew him personally and spoke highly of the special agent who was appointed on his own recommendation on June 22, 1857, and again September 30, 1S97. If your corre spondent mistakes not. Bender is a brother-in-law to Hon. Blnger Hermann. Of course he spoke highly of him. Why shouldn't he? Urges Him to Complete Work. Judging by the vast emptiness of the files. Bender was so busily engaged with his sheep Investigations until well into the Fall of 1S98 that he had not time to report, for nothing was heard from him regarding forest reserve examinations all Summer long. J?he Commissioner was ev idently becoming anxious about his rela tive by marriage, for on September 24 he wrote a four-page letter to Bender, again at Myrtle Point, directing him to "com plete" his examination for the purpose of ascertaining the advisability of creat ing one or more forest reserves in South western Oregon, and. to report fully. Why the word "complete" was used is notiknown, for nothing had been heard from -Bender to Indicate that he had be gun his Investigations. He had made no report; he had written no letter. On Oc tober 3, however, he was heard from, with a request to employ a "guide and a sur veyor" to assist him in his examinations. A guide, note, and the examinations were to be made In his home county, where he had resided for nobody knows how many years. Nevertheless, on October 31, authority was granted, and presumably Mr. Bender had company on his tramp through the mountains, if he undertook such a trip. . Under date of October 31, 189S, the day on. which authority was granted him to employ assistance in "completing" his In vestigations, Bender addressed to Com missioner Hermann a long report, in which he recommended the creation of a forest reserve, to embrace about 12 town ships lying in the neighborhood where Josephine. Coos, Douglas and Curry Coun ties meet. He reported a heavy stand of valuable timber over most of this area, although he stated that It was not evenly distributed, and went on to explain that there were few settlers in the dis trict. The Southern Pacific Railroad, he said, "may be the only Government pat entee when the lands are surveyed. There may be also some state lands within the proposed lines." It was furthermore- explained, that "no HERMANN'S SUDDEN CHANGE OF FRONT AND PART HIS RELATIVES TOOK IN RECOMMENDING ROGUE RIVER WITHDRAWAL LETTER NO. V. material Interests involved will be injured by reserving these lands." And later on It was said the lands were better adapted Tor foiest use than for other purposes. This Is the unanimous opinion of all those I interviewed. "A reserve following the lines laid down by Mr. Bender," Is was explained, "would not conflict materially with existing rights. It would embrace all of the best timber on the unsurveyed Goi'ernment lands." "Hermann" Sufrgefttcd ax An me. In conclusion. Special Agent Bender said: "After consultation with quite a num ber of the oldest settlers and prominent citizens here, it Is suggested that the name of the Hermann Forest Reserve would be most appropriate and accept able." Under date" of November 5, Bender, " from Myrtle Point, recommended that two and one-half townships be added to the area previously recommended for reser vation, and he explained. In that report, that "there are a number of settlers on these lahds," and the "Oregon & Cali fornia railroad grant laps over and takes In a large portion of two of the town ships.' This closes Mr. Bender's career, so far as the Rogue River forest reserve was concerned, and it is found, upon examina tion of other records, that he was Anally dropped from the rolls of the department August 2G, IDOL His dismissal was made to date back to November 4, 1S99. The rec ords do not show any service by the sur veyor and guide, however. Bender's case is peculiar. The Orego nian correspondent was informed by an official of high rank, and in a position to know, that Bender, during the two years and more he was on the roll, at a salary of $1200 a year, and an additional allow ance of $3 a day in lieu of subsistence and all necessary trawling and other expenses paid, performed practically no service be yond what was shown In the foregoing report. . If he was busy during those two years he left few tracks behind; little .to perpetuate his memory. In the Spring of 1833 Bender's recom mendations were referred to the Geolog ical Survey, and on May 2 of that year came back, the survey recommending that the reserve be created on a much grander scale, .to Include all lands designated by Bender, and three times as many more, extending southward to the California line. Referring to the lands mentioned by Bender. Director "Walcott, of the Geo logical Survey, said: "The information in possession of this office concerning this region Is not by any means full, but, so far as it goes, it cor roborates the statements in the report of Judge Bender. Of the 12 townships In cluded In thla area, either in whole or In part, examinations have been made of four only. It Is believed these townships represent the area fairly well. The timber does not appear to be distributed uni formly over the area, but Is much heavier In some places than in others. With the exception of the burned areas, the entire region is understood to be well forested. "It Is a mountainous and somewhat in accessible region, and It is not probable that the timber stand upon it will be needed for the general market for some time to come. "The same condition which prevails here extends with some slight modifications southward to the California line. These modifications consist In a decrease In the amount of timber which upon south-facing slopes becomes somewhat scant. "I would heartily recommend the setting apart as a forest reserve of the tract con cerning which you make inquiry (that rec ommended by Bender), and I would fur ther submit for your consideration the extension of the limits of this proposed reserve southward to the California line, taking la all of the country of the Coast ranges which has not yet been sub divided." Enter Hermann' Son-ln-Lntr. At this Juncture another interesting character enters upon the scene: K. L. Miller, son-in-law of Hon. Blnger Her mann. This gentleman, on January 19, 1893, was made a special agent in the Gen eral Land Office, on the same terms as Brother-in-Law Bender. He was reap pointed April 28. 1899. to take effect April 19, 1899, so It is seen he did not miss con nection with the Federal Treasury, even though there was a temporary delay In the reappointment. Before this second appointment expired, on June 27, 1899, Mil ler's appointment was made permanent, to take effect July 19, and a few days later, on July 23, ho received orders from As sistant Commissioner Richards, while he yet remained In Washington, to "proceed to Roseburg to secure from the local Land Office the necessary data to enable you to make an examination as to the advisabil ity of creating one or more forest re serves in Southwestern Oregon." He was directed to make personal investigations of this region and to furnish a full and complete report. Reports Few and Brief. Miller carried out one part of his In structions promptly. He hastened to Rose burg, at Government expense. Further more, he must have made a very- careful study of the records of the Roseburg office, for in one of his letters ho stated that "the examination of the records took from the 5th to tho 24th of July." This done, he started for the field. The only thing heard from Miller during the rest of the Summer, In fact, the remainder of the year, 1899, came to the Land Office In the form of three brief painfully brief re ports, which told In the most general terms of heavy forests of various kinds of timber that he had passed through, on his tour of inspection. These reports wero supposed to cover operations for July and August, but it is only fair to state that all three reports, bearing different dates, were received at the Land Office simultaneously, October 23, and the Information contained in the three was of no more benefit than would have been the report of any man who has a general Idea of timber condi tions in Southwestern Oregon. In the Department those reports are looked upon as the most ridiculous state ments ever made by a special agent. They are absolutely of no value in determining whether or not a reserve should be cre ated, and they have been treated accord ing to their worth. At any rate, these three worthless re ports are absolutely all that is of record from Miller in 1S99, and represent the sum total of work (?) he performed from the date of his appointment, January 19, 1899, to November 4, 1S99, when his serv ices were dispensed with. Along In April, 1900, Assistant Com missioner Richards became curious to know what had been done by the man to whom he Issued orders early In the Sum mer preceding, and on April 18, 1P00, ad dressed a letter to K. L. Miller, at Myrtle Point, In which he said: "The records of this office show that on June 23 last you were given instructions relative to making an examination and report upon the advisability of creating one or more forest reserves, etc. "It Is desired that you advise this office as to whether you made this examination while in the service, and if so, that you will favor me with a report showing the result of the same." From this it seems that Commissioner Richards did not look upon the three brief reports of Miller as conveying any intelligent information bearing on the question at issue. But Miller appears to have Ignored Commissioner Richards' letter, for there is no record of a reply. Miller. Is Reinstated. - All differences were smoothed over some way or other, however, for on July 30, 1900. the records show that K. L. Miller was reinstated as a special agent. and on the old terms, and the day fol lowing, Hon. Blnger Hermann, Commis sioner, sent him, at Myrtle Point, a let ter reading as follows: "Having been reappointed special agent of this office. It is desired that you will resume the examination as to the advisability of creating one or mora forest reservations In Southwestern Or egon, which was ordered in my letter to you of June 23, 1899. "Should you find the services of a sur veyor necessary In making this examina tion, you are hereby authorized, .without further special authority, to employ one for such time as his services may be found absolutely Indispensable, at a total cost of not exceeding $100. "Should you find a surveyor absolutely necessary for a longer period, ' you will make application In due time for an ex tension of his services, stating the length of time you deem the same will be re , quired,' and cost per day." Another long and painful silence. Under date of December 16, 1900, K. L. Miller, from Roseburg, submitted a fairly long report purporting to be the narra tive of his discoveries during his Sum mer's crulslngs. He came out strongly recommending the creation of a reserve, to embrace land which he said he had examined, being about half of the area recommended for reservation by the Geo logical Survey. Describing the lands, he said: "The lands which I have examined within the limits of a proposed forest reserve extend from the fifth parallel south to the southern boundary of what will be township 33 on the west. Including what will be 35-10, 36-9 and 36-S on the east side of proposed tract and com prises what will be the following de scribed townships when surveyed, com mencing on the north with the two sur veyed townships 20, range 10 west, also 30-9 west, unsurveyed; township 31-9 and 10, and the eastern half of township 31, range 11; also township 32-9, 32-10, 32-11, and the southwestern three-quarters of 32- 12, together with southern half of township 32-13. township 33-9. 33-10, 33-11, 33- 12, 23-13, 34-S. 34-9. 34-10. 34-11. 34-12, 34-13, 35-8, 33-9, 35-10. 35-11, 35-12, 36-S, 36-9, 3610, not completing this township in ranges 11 and 12 west. This is about one-half of the area proposed for a forest reserve In this locality." To this he added: "All the foregoing lands are better adapted to forest uses and as a water conservative than for any other purpose, and could only be used for any other to a very limited extent," In, eight loosely written pages he pur ports to describe the lands by townships, both as to timber, settlers, etc, but the descriptions are very meager and by no means satisfactory. In fact, they are ut terly without value. It Is but just to Mr. Miller to state that he apparently wrote his final report in his own time, for his name was severed from the payroll on November 30, 1900, the Secretary having become convinced that there was to be no report. The re port Is dated 16 days -after Miller's salary was cut off. There Is a letter on file, by the way, signed by Commissioner Hermann, recommending the discontinu ance of Miller's services because of "the rapidly lapsing appropriation," a favor ite expression when dismissals were threatened by the Secretary. Call for Roprue River Papers. On October 25, 1901, the Secretary of the Interior called, for all papers In the Rogue River case, at the same time ask ing for a recommendation from Commis sioner Hermann as to the advisability of creating a reserve. The commissioner merely transmitted the papers, without recommendation, and the same were turned over to the Geological Survey, which promptly reported back, recom mending on October 30 the withdrawal of all unsurveyed townships in Southwest ern Oregon, and suggesting that negotia tions be entered into with the Oregon & California Railroad Company for the ex change of their lands within this area. The Director of the Survey took occa sion also to say: "The objections made by The Portland Oregonian (to placing railroad lands In a reserve) is based upon the belief that this proposal to establish . a reserve is an attempt on the part of the railroad company to obtain scrip In exchange for their lands. If that be the case, the pro gramme here proposed will prevent such an outcome." November 25 Secretary Hitchcock re turned the papers with a request for a fuller explanation of the proposed "ex change" with the railroad company, and on November 29 Director Walcott re plied: f "1 would suggest that It be proposed that the Southern Pacific lands be ex changed for lands situated east of the proposed reserve in approximately the same latitude and within the State of Oregon. Tho odd-numbered sections in the Coast Ranges East of this area and in the Cascade Range are not dissimilar In character from the even-numbered sec tions within the proposed reserve, and the consolidation of holdings would, no doubt, be an advantage to the railroad com pany." Five days later Secretary Hitchcock re quested Commissioner Hermann to fur nish him such information as he had as , to the character of the railroad lands within the exterior limits of the proposed Rogue River Reserve, and as to the char acter of the lands situated cast of the proposed reserve In approximately the same latitude, "together with an expres sion of your views and opinion as to the advisability of carrying out such a plan of exchange as that suggested by the Geological Survey." Cnllcd Forth Adverse Report. This letter Is what brought forth Com missioner Hermann's famous adverse re port on the Rogue River Reserve proposi tion, which was quoted In The Oregonian at the time, and portions of which are again quoted below. Mr. Herman's rnorr. madp .Tnnimrv 11, 1902, Is without doubt, one of the strong est recommendations ever submittod by him to the Secretary of the Interior. In It he clearly defines his position, nnd goes into much detail to Justify his stand. It is a report that does him credit, regard less of whether his conclusions are the proper ones. Apparently his view Is the popular one In Southeastern Oregon at the present time, though the confidence of the department has been shaken by subse quent recommendations made by Forest Inspector H. D. Langllle. In his report Commissioner Hermann stated that about 10 per cent of the lands proposed to be withdrawn are surveyed. Much of the surveyed area is in occu pancy, embracing- bona fide agricultural settlements, mining claims and other uses. He goes on to say: "No estimate can be made of occu pants on the unsurveyed lands, and it is understood that in many portions there are settlements, record of which will be made when the public surveys shall be extended over such portions of that area. It is believed, further, that many portions contain agricultural lands suitable for homes, as well as for 'grazing purposes, and a still greater portion very valuable for gold mines. There are also settlers and postofflces within this proposed re serve. "The railroad lands within the exterior limits proposed are largely covered with timber, some portions with very valuable timber; while other portions are mineral In character, and much that Is not valu able. As to Railroad Lands. "As to the railroad lands east of the proposed reserve In approximately the same latitude, and west of the Cascade Reserve. It may be said that such lands, are traversed by the Oregon & California Railroad, and also contain towns and vil lages, extensive fruit orchards, agricul tural entries, vast mining enterprises, etc This region contains a considerable per centage of the population of the state, and was among the first explored on the Pa cific Coast by Americans, and Is now quite generally settled throughout. About 5 per cent remains unsurveyed." Resfiecllng tho plan of exchange sug gested by the Geological Survey, Commls--sloner Hermann said: "I believe It to be impracticable, be cause of the largo quantities of lands be longing to the railroad In the proposed reserve, which still remain unsurveyed, and it appears from the records that 90 per cent remain unsurveyed. Assuming that this proportion of .unsurveyed to surveyed lands applies also to the- rail road, as to the other lands In the same district, there could be no present con sideration as to exchange, for lands else where to the extent of such surveyed lands, por could there be even an esti mate made as to the quantity really be longing to the railroad company until af ter survey, as until then the law affords no opportunity of ascertaining where settlement exists In those sections ante dating the rights of the railroad com pany: hence It is Impracticable. "Further, it would be Inadvisable and unjust to the public Interests that this should be done, even If practicable, be cause of the large area of lands within the even sections east of the proposed reserve remaining vacant that are sought for by homestead settlers, as shown by the records. To exchange large portions of the public lands In those" even sec tions now vacant to the railroad com pany for such of Its lands as It may own within the proposed reserve would greatly curtail the opportunities for settlement by bona flde homeseekers. Mostly Mineral Lands. "As to such lands as are not fit for agriculture. It Is a notorious fact that the greater portion of this region Is min eral In character, and that among hills ana mountains at the heads of the smaller streams, and along the river beds, are found the most valuable gold deposits. These are extensively mined and pros pected at the present time, and have been to a greater or less extent for over half a century, while prospecting still continues in numerous localities not yet mined. There are great numbers of mineral locations actively worked, of which this office contains no record, and of which the law does not require record to be made here or in the local land office. Much of the mineral de posits are of placer and others of lode formation. "To prevent an exchange of such lands to the railroad company for relinquish ment of Its lands within the proposed forest reserve would entail great expense and consume much time In ascertain ment and survey of such known" mines. And such an exchange would greatly re tard the development of the mininjr in terests now so generally enjoyed upon the vacant unreserved mineral domain. Valuable mineral land not yet prospected would pass to the railroad company, even though a reasonable precaution should be exercised In advance by the department in any classification which could be devised. Consolidation No Easy Matter. "Furthermore, It may be doubted whether a consolidation of railroad hold ings east of the proposed reserve could be accomplished, because of the wide ex tent of entries previously made with the many mining locations which would make It difficult to secure entire vacant sec tions in large bodies, so that the lieu lands could all be selected contiguous to present railroad lands east of the pro posed reserve, In order to obtain a con solidation which the geological survey suggests would no doubt be an advantage to the railroad company. A careful In vestigation might disprove the correct ness of this opinion, yet In view of pres ent knowledge of the widely scattered entries, settlements and mining enter prises a serious question exists. A still further objection to be considered is that in relation to the unsurveyed even sec tions east of the proposed reserve, which could not be allowed for lieu Jand selec tion lri their present condition. "For these reasons and beliefs based upon general Information and upon per sonal knowledge of much of that country. I have to report that it would be de cidedly inadvisable to attempt to execute the plan proposed. Since the proposed restive became better understood there has developed much opposition, and with Its boundaries as recommended it Is viewed In general disfavor. There have been presented to this office from various portions of the region affected, as well as. from other portions of the State of Ore gon, earnest protests from official au thorities from individual citizens and taxpayers, and. from the newspaper-press, etc, protests against the creation of such a reserve. -j "Lastly, I would suggest that If it be determined that a reservation shall be created in some portion of Southwestern Oregon that it be confined to the ex treme summit of the Coast Range, where there is no opportunity for agricultural development, mining or other Immediate ly useful purposes, and where by such reserve a better protection against fire may be given to the timber upon the mountain summits, and at the extreme heads of the water courses, and then only upon the exchange of lands of approxi mately tho same value. An examination of the reports made by special agents of this office (Bender and Miller) as to a small portion of the large area, now rec ommended to be reserved by the gelogical survey convinces me that a greater area than that which may be embraced along the mountain summits should not be contained In any reservation In South western Oregon. I -would earnestly repre sent that to place In reserve more than half of the area of Curry County and nearly half of Josephine County would result in very great Inconvenience and Injury to the inhabitants who have formed settlements within the same, and the various Industrial operations now in progress there, as well as -a very great injustice and a burden upon the remain ing citizens, property-holders and tax payers In the other portion of the county unreserved since the present and future effect of such withdrawal will merely Impair the ability of the people of Curry County more especially to provide suffi cient revenue in the maintenance of the county organization, and will generally retard and prevent all settlement nnd dis courage mining operations within the pro posed boundaries." February 2$ Secretary Hitchcock, reply ing to Hermann's recommendation against the creation of the Rogue River reserve, which was to have Included 1,091.400 acres, said: "I have, after careful consideration of your report In the matter, concluded that the creation of said reserve at this time is not advisable." In September of that year, when Com mlsslcner Hermann was furnished with a renewal of tho Geological Survey's recom mendation for the creation of the Rogue River reserve, he returned the papers to the Secretary, renewing his recommendation against the same. This was the last time he went on record concerning that propo sition. This last action of Hermann's was again Indorsed by the Secretary. The Geological Survey recommendation referred to was merely a paragraph In a general letter, recommending several Ore gon reserves, and gave no new reasons, in fact, gave none why the Secretary's former decision should be set aside. Matters were allowed to rest for awhile, until April 29, 1903, when Acting Secretary Ryan addressed Land Commissioner -Richards, saying: "Fcr reasons- set forth In his letter of April 25, Forest Inspector H. D. Langllle has recommended the temporary with drawal of certain described lands in Ore gon, with a view to the creation of the Rogue River forest reserve. "These lands are reported to be mostly unsurveyed. rough and mountainous, well timbered and of little value for agricul tural purposes, and will be thoroughly examined by Mr. Langllle during the com ing Summer. "In view of his recommendation I here by direct the temporary withdrawal of the public lands in the areas described by him." The withdrawal was made the following day. Mr. Langllle, In the report on which the Secretary's action was based, explained, that this reserve is npt essential to a great extent as a factor In conserving tho water supply, the first consideration being the protection of the timber, both, from destructive fires and from manipulations by syndicates, "the history of whose ope rations, In the WestIs a deplorable reconr of wanton and Irreparable waste. "From all reports at hand It Is obvlousJ that the lands In question will be occupied only by hirelings of large Eastern syndi cates who would locate upon them solely for the timber." v Further on in his report Mr. Langllle Said: "I have carefully examined all of the files and correspondence In relation to the subject and from this It appears that but little definite Information has been pre sented, either for or against the reserve. Logical argument appears upon either side of the question, but nothing is pre sented which warrants the discontinuance bf Investigation to determine the suitabil ity of the lands for reserve purposes." He announces his Intention to examine the lands in question, but suggests the temporary withdrawal "for the reason that the appearance of Government agents upon "the ground Invariably leads the land sharKs to lay their plans to take every advantage of the land laws (or personal gain .In the event of the reserve being created, as was done in the Blue Moun tains of .Oregon." ' There i3 considerable significance in this last sentence, as Mr. Langllle's report was maae after he had made a personal tour over a large part of the Blue Mountain withdrawal, and had carefully examined into the present status of the lands in cluded within Its exterior boundaries. The files of the Rogue River re serve case also contain two com munications, one ia letter from Senator Mitchell, under date of May 15, and another a telegram from Sena tors Mitchell and Fulton, dated May 19. In his letter, Senator Mitchell, writing from Portland, said that he had received many loud and vigorous protests from Curry County against the proposition to create a forest reserve in that portion of the state, "the effect of which will "be to wholly destroy Curry County 'and to com pel the people of that county to give up their organization as a county." Tho joint telegram of the Senators, sent from Portland, read: "We respectfully but earnestly request that no further action be taken concern ing proposed forest reserve In Southwest ern Oregon until the people of that sec tion can be fully heard. We shall within the next three weeks forward you pe titions, letters, resolutions of Boards of Trade and memorials, giving facts and reasons why this proposed reserve should not be established." May 23, Commissioner Richards, (in re ply to Senator Mitchell's letter, stated that the withdrawal was made on April 29, by order of the Secretary, but .added: "There Is no probability about the inves tigation in this matter will be completed before the end of the present season, and all parties will be given ample oppor tunity to be heard both for and against the proposed reserve." The files of the Rogue River reserve case close with a very' interesting letter from Senator Fulton, dated Astoria, Au gust 27, 1903, In which he transmits to the Secretary of the Interior the resolutions of the Roseburg Board of Trade, protest ing not only against the creation of a Rogue River reserve, but against the pro posed additions to the Cascade reserve on- the west. In forwarding this protest Sen ator Fulton says: "The resolutions of this Board of Trade reflect the judgment and convictions of a very largo majority of the people of Ore gon, and I assure you that my convictions are In full accord with the spirit of the resolutions. I feel that a very great In justice is being done Oregon by the with drawal from entry and settlement of so large a proportion of the public lands within her boundaries. "In the first place, there is little, if any, and I am disposed to believe there is no use whatever for forest reserves in West ern Oregon. A new growth of timber comes up very rapidly in the wet climate, after the mature timber has been re; moved. So far as conservation of the water supply is concerned In Western Or egon, the Interests of this section would better be served by some plan for the diminution of the water supply. I think, however, In order to preserve the purity of the water, to create forest reserves at the sources of water courses might be well. Of course in Eastern Oregon the situation and climatic conditions are dif ferent from those in Western Oregon. But even there a vast amount of the lands proposed to be withdrawn are not timber land, and aro not sources of any streams. "I fully concur In the resolutions, and Join with the board in protesting against the creation of forest reserves in Western Oregon." IIERPICIDE XOT A FAKE. Unsolicited Testimonials Tell of It's Superiority. Air. R. Kelley. residing at 2195 Devlsa dero street. San Francisco, Cal., writes the following: "When I first purchased Herplcide I thought, like the majority of hair prepa rations, it would prove a fake. I am happy to state that, on the contrary, it Is all and even more than you claim for It. Quite a number of barbers throughout the section In which I travel have called attention to the new hair sprouting out on my scalp, and Inquired of me what I have been using. I tell them 'Herplcide,' also give them your name and address." Sold by leading druggists. Send 10 cents In stamps for sample to The Herplcide Co., Detroit. Mich. FULL SEf S5.00 BRIDGE WORK Gold Filllncj $1.00 Gold Crown $500 Silver Fiillnjj $ .50 New York Dental Parlors . JdAIN OFFICE FOURTH AND MGRRI SON ST3.. PORTLAND. Branch Offlce. 014 1st av.. Seattle. I 8:30 A. U. to P. II.: Sunday. t:Zo A. M. to a f. u. A' Wise Woman will try ind cresenre her beiutr. A fine head of hair li one of the highest charm. Imperial Hair Regenerator restores Gray or Bicachc hair to as; natural color or sbado. ft m dran. dnr abte. ana ONE APPLICATION WJLl. LAST FOR MONTHS. Sainnlo Of hnlr colored free. Bead lor Pamphlet. i COMPANYl EXTRACT OFeBE E F MEN ONLY DR. Y. NORTON DAVIS. Special and Accurate Treat ment of vEvery Case. "We wish to make ono- point dis tinct and emphatic: The remedies employed in treating our patients are prescribed and compounded to meet the exact requirements of each Individual case. Every patient of ours can rest assured that the treatment he receives Is not of the "ready-mado" kind. If you want such treatment go to-a drug store and buy a patent nostrum. We made a special study of every case. We note all conditions In the begin ning, note all developments as the cure progresses, and so alter our remedies as to accomplish just what our knowledge and trained perception tell us must be accom plished. After diagnosing your case we will know just what you need. We have treated- thousands of cases identical with your own, and many more of a similar nature. Our Practice Is the Largest Because We Invariably Fulfill Our Promises. Contracted Disorders If you care to be cured thoroughly and beyond possibility of a relapse or chronic stage, you should come directly to us for treatment. We have cured so many cases that we know exactly Tiow to handle them. Our remedies are unlike the ordi nary, and we cure In about half the usual time required. Specific Blood Poison "V.e drive the last taint of virus from the system, using only the most harmless blood-cleansing rem edies. "Weakness" " This disorder of the functions by no means indicates general nervous decline, but is a dlrect'result of In flammation enlargement or exces sive sensitiveness of the prostate gland brought on by early dissipa tion or resulting from some im properly treated contracted disor der. These conditions cannot pos sibly be removed by internal medi cines alone, and any tonic system of treatment that stimulates actlvlty ln the functions can but result In aggravation of the real ailment. This Is a scientific truth that we have ascertained by careful study and otservatlon in hundreds of cases, and is a truth upon which our own original system of treatment Is based. We employ few tonics, our main treatment Is a local one, and our success In curing even those cases that others have failed to temporarily relieve with their tonics Is conclusive evidence that our method affords the only positive means of a complete and radical cure. Varicocele Do not submit to an operation for varicocele. Our system of painless treatment cures soundly in the Shortest time. No cutting, no caus tics: no failures, and only In severe cases need the patient be detained a jingle day from his business. Stricture Painless treatment that dissolves the obstructing tissue and renders cutting or dilating unnecessary. PILES Quick Cures Certain Cures We cure the worst case of piles permanently without tho use of ointments, without pain, cutting or detention from business, in from two to three treatments. Our treat ment Is entirely new and peculiar to ourselves. Kemember. no mat ter who has failed before in your case, we will cure you with mild methods, and without danger, or else make no chargo whatever for our services. Should you live at a distance, we can treat you successfully at home. WE ARE ALWAYS WILL ING TO WAIT FOR OUR 'FEE UNTIL A CURE IS EFFECTED. Consultation Free You are at liberty to call upon us In personal consultation, or to write regarding your case. We will gladly render such assistance as we can In the way of helpful sugges tions. Our book pertaining to men's diseases Is mailed free. It Is both Interesting and Instructive. OFFICE HOURS: 9 A. M. to 12 M., 1:30 to 5, and 7 to 8 P. M.; Sundaysand Hol idays 10 A. M. to 12 M. DOCTOR W. Norton Davis & CO. 14 5K Sixth St., Cor. Alder Portland, Or. 33 0 Bis 6 u non-poinonuia remedy for Gonorrhoea, .Gleet, Spermatorrhoea, Whites, unnatural dii- nrittue. charges, or anr lnnamma- rrerinu eoatarion. tlon of mucous sienr iTHtEAN3CHEMICJU.C0. branes. Non-astringent. CIHClimTl,0.r- Sold by Drarglata, or sent In plain wrapper, by expreM, prepaid, for $1.00. or 3 bottles, J2.7J. Circular ton", on rtqawW THE PALATIAL OREGONIAN BUILDING Xot a darlc office In the bulldlnjtl absolutely fireproof; . electric light and artesian -water; perfect sanita tion and thorough ventilation! ele vators run day and night. Rooms, AINSLIE, DR. GEORGE, Physician and aurseon tut-wj ANDERSON. GUSTAV, Attorney-at-Law.. OUT ASSOCIATED PRESS; E. L- Powell, Mgr.. Sua AUSTEN, i. C, Manager tor Oregon and Washington Bankers Life Association of Des Molnej. I.. -r. 502-303 BAAR. DR. GUSTAV, Phys. and Surg. .SOT-SOS HANKERS' LIFE ASSOCIATION OF DES MOINES, IA.; F. C. Austen, Mgr 5U2-503 BATES, PHILIP S.. Pub. Pacillc Miner... .213 BENJAMIN, R. W.. Dentist ..3t-. BERNARD. G., Cashier Co-Operatlve Mer cantile Co. 204-205 BIN SV ANGER, OTTO S., Physician and Surgeon .- 407-403 BOGART, DR. M. D., Dentist 705 BttOCK. W1LBUK F., Circulator, orego nian 301 Bit GERE, DK. G. E.. Phys.-. 411-412-413-414. CAMPBELL, WM. M., Medical Retereo Equitable Lit 700 CANNING, M. J...... 0U2-0UI CARD WELL, DR. J. R.. Dentist .50i CAUKIN, G. E., District Agent Traveler' Insurance Company 713 CHURCHILL. MRS. E. J 710-7U COFFEY, DR. R. C, Surgeon 405-MKJ COGHLAN. DR. J. N 713-714 COLLIER. P. F., Publisher; S. P. McGulre. Manager 413 COLUMBIA GRANITE CO 417-413 CONNELL. DR. E. DE WITT. Eye. Ear Nose and Throat 013-014 CO-OPERATIVE MERCANTILE CO.; J. F. Olstii, Gen. Mgr.; G. Bernard, Cashler.204-203 CORNELIUS, a W.. Phys. and Surgeon... 212 DAT, J. G. & L.N. 313 DICKSON. DR. J. F.. Physician 713-714 EDITORIAL ROOMS Eighth FJflor EVENING TELEGRAM 325 Alder streel EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SO CIETY; L. Samuel, Mgr.; G. S. Smith. Cashier aoo FENTON. J. D., Phys. and Surg 30U-31O FENTON, DR. HICKS a. Eye and Ear. .311 FENTON, MATTHEW F., Dentist 50U GALVANI. "W. H.. Engineer and Draughts man ...COO GEARY. DR. E. P.. Phys. and Surgeon... 400 GIESY. DR. A. J., Physician and Surg. 703-710 GILBERT, DR. J, ALLEN. Pnyslclan.401-403 GOLDMAN, "WILLIAM, Manager Manhat tan Life Ins. Co. o New York 20U-21O GRANT, FRANK S.. Attorney-at-Law 017 GRI3WOLD & PHEGLEY. Tailors 131 Sixth street HAMMAM BATHS. Turkish and Russian.. 300-301-302 HARDEN. MRS. L. K.. Stenographer 201 HAWKE, DR. C. E., Phys. and Surg". .OOS-'J HOLLISTER, DR. O. C. Physician and Surgeon ............ 504-303 HOSMEK. DR. CHAS., SAMU'L; Phys. and Surgeons . 40tl IDLEMAN, C. M., Attorney-at-Law....615-GlU JEFFREYS. DR. ANNICE F.. Phys. and Surgeon, "Women and Children only...... .400 JOHNSON. W. C 315-310-31T KADY, MARK T Supervisor o Agents Mutual Reserve Life Ins. Co....... C05 LANE, E. L., Dentist.. 513-31-l LAWBAUGH. DR. E. A S04-603 LAWRENCE PUBLISHING CO 417-413 LITTLEFIELD & CORNELIUS . . . .212 L1TTLEFIELD. H. R.. Phys. and Surg..212 MACKAY. DR. A. E., Phys. and Surg..711-7ia MANHATTAN LIFE INSURANCE CO. OF NEW YORK; "W. Goldman. Manager. .200-210 MARSH. DR. R. J., Phys. and Surg 30O-31O McCOY. NEWTON, Attorney-at-Law. v 715 McELROY. DR. J. ,G.. Phys. & Sur.701-702-703 McGINN. HENRY E.. Attorney-at-Law.311-313 McGUIRE, S. P.. Manager P. F. Collier, Publisher . .413 McKENZIE. DR. P. L.. Phys. and Sunr.B12-5i.i jauaaiLA.' xjx. ju. jr.. -uenust . .013-03 MUTUAL RESERVE LIFE INS. CO.; Mark T. Kady, Supervisor of Agents. 004-005 NICHOLAS, HORACE B.. Attorney-at-Law.718 NILES. M. M.. Cashier Manhattan Llfo Insurance Company of New York 209 NOTTAGE DR. G. H.. Dentist 008-000 NOTTINGHAM. T. TV.. Mg. The Warrea Construction Co. 218-21T O'CONNOR, DR. H. P.. Dentist '....309-310 OLSEN, J. F., General Manager Co-operative Mercantile Co... .. ..204-203 OREGON INFIRMARY OF OSTEOPATHY 409-410 OREGONIAN BARBER SHOP. MARSCH & GEORGE. Props 120 Sixth street OREGONIAN EDUCATIONAL BUREAU; J. F. Strauhal, Managei s. 200 KAC1FIC MINER. Philip S. Bates. Pub... 215 PAGUE. B. S.. Attorney-at-Law 513 PALMER BROS.. Real Estate and Busi ness Chances , 417-413 PORTLAND EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY Ground Floor. 123 Sixth street REED, C. J.. Executive Special Agent Manhattan Life Ins. Co. of New York.. 209 REED. WALTER. Optician 133 Sixth street ROSENDALE. O. M.. Metallurgist and Mining Engineer 313 ROTH. DR. JOHN B., Phy. and Sur.. 313-14 RYAN. J. B.. Attorney-at-Law 515 SAMUEL. L.. Manager Equitable Life 300 SCOTT. C. N.. with Palmer Bros 417-413 SHERWOOD. J. W., State Commander K. O. T. M 51T SMITH. DR. ALAN WELCH. Physician and Surgeon 2G7-203 SMITH. DR. L. B.. Osteopath 409-410 SMITH. GEORGE S.. Cashier Equitable Ufa .- 30C STOLTE, DR. CHAS. E.. Dentist 704-703 SURGEON OF THE S. P. RY. AND N. P. TERMINAL CO 700 SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE - 201 TUCKER. DR. GEO. F.. Dentist 610-011 UMPliUA LUMBER CO.. W. J. Pender- gast. Mgr. 601 VESTKR, A., Special Agent Manhattan Life 208 WARREN CONSTRUCTION CO.. T. "W. Notlngham. Mgr. 210-217 "WENDLING, DR. ROBT. F.. Dentist .705 WILEY. DR. JAMES O. C. Phys. & Surg.70S- WILSON. DR. EDWARD N.. Eye. Ear Nose and Throat .304-305 WILSON DR. GEO. F., Phys. & Surg. .700-707 WILSON. DR. HOLT C. Phys. & Surg.507-503 WOOD. DR. W. L., Physician.. 411-412-413-414 Offlce may "be had by applying; to the superintendent of the halldinir, room 201, second floor. f":