Speech #430017737

But. as I understand the purpose of this bill. it is to encourage the grow thof timber. and meet one of themostserions wants of the western phopIle. It is not for the immediate benefit of the party who plants the timber. because he can avail himself of the opportunity to secure the land in anoler direction which he may secure under this "t. The purpose of this bill. as will be seen. is to obtain the largest amount of timber upon the prairies. not for the benefit of the individual locater or the person who takes up the land. but for the benefit of those who live round about him. cod to induce immigration to that portion of the country. If it is ulnderstood that in the northwest quarter of Nebraska. for instance. there are immense forests. immigration would immediately rush in that direction. But as it is. settlers confine themselves to settlements along the streams. where there are here and there a few straggling trees. and they also set out trees. not only for their own benefit. but for the benefit of those who may seek to secure or purchase the timber from them. Now. if this restriction be taken from the bill. then men of enterprise and capital would go into this matter upon a broad scheme.