The adjustment of opposite demands between conflicting interests and localities, and other questions of large reach and often of great legal complexity will tax the powers of the best men we have.

No part of the work will require greater temperance, wisdom, and foresight than certain questions of policy and law.
I have observed in the course of some experience that difficulties originating with the law are peculiarly apt to foster misconceptions.

It happens that the Forest Service has recently supplied a typical example.
Certain men and certain papers have said that the Forest Service has gone beyond the law in carrying out its work.

This assertion has been repeated so persistently that there is danger that it may be believed.
The friends of conservation must not be led to think that before the Forest Service can proceed legally with its present work all the hazards and compromises of new legislation must be faced.
Fortunately, the charge of illegal action is absolutely false.

The Forest Service has had ample legal authority for everything it has done.
Not once since it was created has any charge of illegality, despite the most searching investigation and the bitterest attack, ever led to reversal or reproof by either House of Congress or by any Congressional Committee.