The weekly true Democrat., 1907-11-22
PRESIDENT INVITES
CoVNRS TO MEET.
Nations NasaFal Resources and Pres.
porIty % - Considered.

welt has invited the GoVernorS OF the
States and territories to meet him at
the White House May lS, ID and Is,
next, to discuss the question of means
to conserve the natural resources of the
country. Invitations are to be extended
to the members Of both houses of Con-
gress, and TO the inland waterways
commission. The importance and man
ner in which the subject is to be consid-
cred are indicated in the Presidents s
letter to the governors, which was made
public at the White House to-day. The
letter follows:
''The natural resources of the terri
tory Of the United States were at the
time Of the settlement richer, more va
ried and more available than those of
any other equal area on the face of the
earth. The development Of these re-
sources has given Us for more than a
century rate Of increase in population
and wealth undreanled Of by the men
who founded our government, and with
out parallel In history. 1t is obvious
that the prosperity which we now enjoy
rests directly upon these resources. It
is equally obvious that the vigor and
and success which we desire and fore
see for this nation in the future must
have this as It's ultimate material basis.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.
''In view Of these evident facts, il
seems to me time for the country to
take account Of its natural resources and
to inquire how long they are likely to
last. We are prosperous now we
should not forget that 1t will be just as
important to our descendants to be
In their time as 1t is in US to
be prosperous in our time.
Recently ] expressed the opinion that
there is no other question now before
the nation of equal gravity with the
question Of conservation of our natural
and / added that it is the
plain duty of those of us who, for the
are responsible, to make in
ventory Of the natural resources which
have been handed down to us, to fore
cast, as well as we may, the needs of
the future, and 90 to handle the great
resources of our prosperity as not TO
destroy IN advance all hope OF the pros
perity Of cur descendants.
WELFARE OF COMMUNITIES.
cit is evident that the abundant nat
ural resources on which the welfare Of
this nation rests are becoming depleted,
and in not q few cases are already eX-
This is true of all portions of
the United States it is especially true
Of the longer settled communities of the
East. The gravity of the situation
must, believe, appeal with special
force 70 the governors of the States be- |
cauBe OF their close relations TO the peO- |
pie and their responsibility for the well |
fare Of their communities. have. |
therefore, decided, in accordance with |
The suggestion Of the inland waterways
70 ask the governors Of the |
States and territories to meet at the |
White House on May l3, ID and Is, to
,onfer with the President and with each
)ther upon the conservation Of the nat
lral resources.
1T gives me great pleasure to invite
lOu TO take part in this conference. i
'houd be glad to have you select three
citizens to accompany you and to attend
he conference as your assistants or ad-
'isors. shall also invite the senators
md Representatives of the Sixtieth
congress 70 be present at the sessions
70 far as their duties will permit.
VITAL To THE NATION.
''The matters TO be considered at this
conference are not confined TO any re-
lion Of States, but are of vital concern
o the nation as a whole, and to all the
'eople. These subjects include the use
nd conservation of the mineral re-
ources Of the land, and the resources
4 the waters, in every part of our TEL
itory.
''In order 20 open discussion, shall
1vite q few recognized authorities 70
resent brief descriptions Of actual facts
nd conditions, without argument, leav-
1g the conference to deal with each
Dpic "a Il may elect. The members of !!
be inland waterways commission will
e present, IN order to share with me
he benefit Of information and sugRss- .
lon, and " desired, TO set forth their z
rOvisional plans and conclusions. !
wEIGHTY QUESTION.
Facts, which I cannot gainsay, force q
le to believe that the conservation Of Y
1r natural resources is the most
eighty question now before the people
I the United States. II this is 80, the r
roposed conference, which is the first !,
its kind, will be among the most i'm \
ortant gatherings in our history IN It's n
feet on the welfare Of all our people. I,
IL earnestly hope, my dear Governor, b
rat you will find II possible to be pres a
It. Sincerely yours, 3
THEODORE ROOSEVELT. q
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