The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-05-15
Conference of Governors Gets
Down to Work of Convention.
A Declaration of Principles
Adopted Unanimously.
IDEAS PUT FORWARD.
By Speakers at the Meeting
Made Basis of Action,
President Is Commended for
Starting the Movement.

Washington, May 15.-The governors
conference at the White House ended
shortly before l o'clock today, after
an enthusiastic reception which re-
suited in the adoption of set of de-
clarations. broad in scope but effect
Ing no permanent form of organiza-
ton, nor making specific recommends
tions for legislation by either states or
nation. Immediately after adjourn
ment the governors met and appointed
a committee consisting of Governors
Wilson, Kentucky, Folk, Missouri, and
Sheldon. Nebraska, to prepare reso-
luton thanking the president for his
initiative in calling the conference and
expressing the pleasure of the dele
gates that it had been of such a useful
character. An agreement was also
reached at this meeting, whereby an
active committee of five will make
nors to be held next year. 1t will then
be determined whether there shall be
a permanent organization.
Governor Swanson said that among
other matters that would come I'D at
the next conference would be eXtradi-
tion, standardization of laws on
marriage and divorce, taxation, police
power and other matters.
Today's session was replete with fea-
ture climaxes. President Roosevelt
declared himself emphatically as not
caring whether action for the conser-
walton of resources or the protection
of the rights of the people be taken
by the states or by the federal gov
ernment. so long as action resulted.
William J. Bryan delivered an ad-
dress in keeping with the purposes Of
the convention which was most cor
daily received. Governors of many
states expressed their appreciation Of
the benefits of the conferences. The
president cordially thanked the COVER
nors for their presence and earnest
participation.
The following resolutions offered by
William ]. Bryan was adopted by ac-
clamation by the conference of COVER
nors:
Resolved, That this conference ex-
presses it's deep regret that ex-Presi-
dent Cleveland is prevented by sickness
from participating in this historic
meeting and expresses its sincere wish
for his speedy recovery"
1t was the presidents suggestion that
the resolution was adopted by accla-
nation.
The Days Proceedings.
Washington, May 15.-The third
and last day of the conference of gov
ernors began with every indication
that important action would result.
A full attendance was present when
President Roosevelt called the con-
ference to order this morning. Gov
ernor Blanchard, of Louisiana, chair
man of the committee on resolutions,
asked for an opportunity to present
the report Of his committee. This
report, which is an extended docu-
ment, embraces recommendation
along general and broad lines avoid
ing specific recommendations for ma
tional or state legislation. The re-
port is prefaced by a reiteration of
what has been said in the conference
regarding the necessity for united ac-
ton which will result in the preServa
ton of the natural resources of the
country. 1t heartily commends the
action of President Roosevelt in call
ing the conference and recommends
that future conferences of a like
character be called by the president
at such times as conditions shall war
rant and his judgment shall sanction.
Legislation by congress and the states
is suggested, not specially, but along
general lines to further ends sought.
Is is also suggested that the states
individually put the subject into the
hands of competent committees. The
resolutions were received with hearty
approval by the conference. After
they had been read. Governor Blanch-
ard stated that it had been the pur-
pose of the committee to prepare
national scope, that it had purposely
avoided making specific recommended
tions or advocating any permanent
form of organization for the confer
ence.
Governor Glenn suggested that the
governors meet in conference with
the president whenever one-third of
the governors requested it. There
was nothing in the declarations which
have been adopted to prevent the gov
ernors from forming an independent
organization was the view of Cover
nor Davidson of Wisconsin. who spoke
briefly to that point. It was much
better, he said, to have the president
left Independent of any organization
e3 the governors and to have a COVER
nors' organization independent of the
executive.
Folk Gives His Views.
Mr.. Folk, Missouri, in supporting the
suggestion of Governor Glenn said that
he did so because of the objection to
taking any action which might here
after form precedent. He expressed
the highest regard for the office of the
president of the United States and a
high personal regard for its present oc-
cupant. However, he said the present
occupant can not always be presi-
dent. Naughter). Suppose" con-
tinued Governor Folk, that sometime
in the future there should be some
man in that office who would want tc
use his power as might be obtained
from a gathering of governors to
coerce congress, for instance, into
adopting some law. Gaughter). Now
while we all think that the big stick
once in awhile is a mighty good thing
applause and laughter). l do moi
know what man hereafter may have
that instrument in his hands and sc
for one am unwilling to commit not
only myself, but the man who NAV
follow me as governor of Missouri tc
something which may hereafter be
used merely as an instrument to ac-
complish the will of the president"
Governor Noel interrupted Governor
Folk as he was about to conclude by
asking him if he thought it was no,
the proper courtesy for the governors