yield a public revenue, stimulate the development of industries and afford greater opportunities for the wage-earner. If this cannot be accomplished, otherwise than by direct action of the State, then the State itself should develop and furnish power for the general benefit. In the initiation of a plan of conservation, the future should be amply provided for, and every precaution essential to present and future interests of the people of the State should be taken. Legitimate investments of private capital should be properly protected. From time to time laws have been enacted permitting leases of the surplus waters of the canal system, but by reason of limitations. surrounding the same, the revenue derived therefrom was nominal and the opportunity for power development was slight. Substantially all these leases have been terminated, and the few remaining in force should be terminated as early as practicable. When the barge canal is completed, the quantity of surplus canal water will be materially increased. It is conservatively estimated that it will then be sufficient to develop at least 50,000 horse power without injury to navigation. The surplus water of the canals is unquestionably owned by the State. The State should not permit so valuable a resource to be wasted, or utilized without adequate return. The development and distribution of the surplus water of the canals, for power purposes, can be secured at comparatively small expense. Measures providing for such development, and distribution for public purposes along the line of the canals where many municipalities and citizens can derive material benefit therefrom, should be enacted. All of which is respectfully submitted. GEORGE E. VAN KENNEN, JOHN D. MOORE, Conservation Commissioners. CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT. Statement of Expenditures for the Fiscal Year Ending DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME. Propagation and Distribution of Fish: For maintenance of hatcheries and collection and distribution of fish and fry For repairs and improvement of hatch- For collecting and purchase of fish eggs Protection of Fish and Game: For salaries of chief protector, assistant and division chiefs, game protectors and clerk.... For payment of moieties, justices, constable, attorney, witness and court costs... For purchase and maintenance of For printing game law summary For traveling expenses of chief, assist $64,078 35 8,309 07 2,348 32 410 16 3,609 41 $84.401 51 23,987 49 6,953 27 41 44 2,110 00 $78,755 31 Division of Lands and Forests: For surveying, witness, court and attor lands in the forest preserve and the $15,929 20 3,498 69 3,075 35 161 00 30 62 $28,368 56 4,717 01 72,395 30 23,381 55 $22,694 86 |