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President Roosevelt thanks Murdo Mackenzie for the work he did at the public lands convention in Denver. It looks like the Teller-Mondell group has lost enthusiasm and another convention is not needed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-06
Arthur G. Elston testifies about unethical conduct occurring in Division “P” of the General Land Office. Elston describes being urged by his chief, George F. Pollock, to change a report recommending charges against the Schow Brothers and Lovell Irrigation Company for willful trespass in Montana. He believes Pollock was acting under pressure from Congressman Mondell and the Commissioner of the General Land Office. Elston also testifies to being aware of similar instances of improper behavior in regards to public lands in Wyoming and Colorado.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-15
Clement S. Ucker, clerk for Special Service Division “P” of the General Land Office, testifies regarding allegations of corruption in the handling of public lands.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-21
W. G. Steel seriously objects to having Crater Lake National Park used for the political benefit of one man, as he thinks the Cascade Range Forest Reserve has been used by Binger Herman, Commissioner of the General Land Office. Steel suggests that management of Crater Lake be turned over to the Geological Survey, where he thinks it will be honestly administered.
1902-06-23
Gifford Pinchot would like to personally deliver the proposed outline for the appointment of a commission on public lands. He will be in Washington, D.C., around October 20. During his vacation along the Grey Bull River, Pinchot successfully hunted his first antelope and elk. The meeting with ranchers at Meeteetse, Wyoming, went well.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-05
Gifford Pinchot believes that he is overcoming western opposition to transferring the administration of forest reserves to the Department of Agriculture. He suggests that President Roosevelt appoint a commission to investigate public land questions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-21
Gifford Pinchot highlighted two articles in the September 19, 1903, edition of the Salt Lake Herald. The first, “Modify the Land Laws Is Congress’ Decision,” describes the debates and resolutions of the National Irrigation Congress held in Ogden, Utah. The fiercest debate was over a proposed resolution that favored the repeal of the timber and stone act, the desert land act, and the commutation clause of the homestead law. Instead, the Congress resolved to press for “modifications in raid laws as will save the remaining public lands for actual settlers who will found homes and live upon said lands.” The second article, “Resolutions That Were Acted On By Congress,” summarizes the various issues that were discussed in the National Irrigation Congress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-19
Secretary of the Interior Hitchcock reports on the “disgraceful condition” of the Lake View land office. He encloses a report from Edward B. Linnen, special inspector of the General Land Office. President Roosevelt previously suggested the immediate removal of the office’s register and receiver but Hitchcock has found that this cannot legally be done. The only options are to close the office or appoint successors in the regular manner.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-21
Senator Patterson met with President Roosevelt to discuss an extension on the order to remove all fences on the public domain. Roosevelt extended the time for removal until July 1 and stated there would be no further extensions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-27