Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-15
STATE THEIR VIEWS
ANDENDCONFERENCE
Continued from First Page.)

Continued from First Page)
opposition to the President struck the
risibilities of the conference, and gen.
eral laugh followed.
Gov. Conner said that his state was
anxious to develop the water power of
the streams and also make them navi-
gable for commerce.
President States His Position.
The President then carried the conven-
ton entirely off it's feet with an unex-
pected but brief address. in which he
placed himself squarely on record as to
his belief regarding the division of power
between the states and the nation.
Il want to say one word about the twi-
light land-the power between the fed
eral and state government My aim in
the legislation [ have advocated for the
regulation of the great corporations has
been to provide sound, effective, popular
sovereignty for each corporation. CAP
plause). What ! am trying to find out
not negatively, not by decision that a
state cannot act or federal decision that
the nation cannot acts where one or
the other can act so that there shall al
ways be some sovereign power on behalf
of the people that they may hold over the
big corporations, over the big individ-
uals. too. that an accounta ability regarding
their acts shall be had for the benefit of
the people. applause and cheers). In
matters that relate only to the people
within the state, of course the state is to
be sovereign, and 1t should have the
power to act. If the matter is such that
the state itself cannot act then l wish
on behalf of the state that the national
government should act" (App1ause).
The President then explained in detail
his position relative to the use of water
power and other concessions granted by
the national government to corpora tons
and individuals. He believed that none Of
these privileges should be granted with
out a reservation in the franchise limiting
the time it should run and providing that
compensation be paid for the privilege.
This. he said. guaranteed to future gen.
erations the right to control the natural
resources on which they would depend
and make it possible for them to termi-
nate any private control over such re-
sources which might be granted now.
Where this policy can be carried out
best by the state it ought to be by the
state Where it can be best carried out
by the nation. then the nation should en-
force it. My concern Is not in the aca-
demic discussion of either the principle of
states rights or the principle of national
sovereignty. but it is what will best con-
serve the needs of the people as whole"
The President Cheered.
The Presidents remarks were received
with thunderous applause and shouts and
1t was some time before the conference
could proceed with other addresses.
Cows Meade of Washington. Hanly of
Indiana and Wilson Of Kentucky spoke
briefly.
Gov. Wilson created general laughter
when he said that he came from a state
that was greatly interested in waterways
also ont n H.
ter when. while referring TO the rivers in
his state, he mentioned Salt river, which,
he said, was one of vast political signiti-
canoe.
Gov. Meade said that his people would
be glad to cooperate with the states and
national government in any policies look
ing to the conservation of the natural
resources Of the country, independent of
the question of states rights. He said
he had no fears for the destinies of this
republic.
Gov. Hanly's address was one princi-
pally OF inquiry, particularly on coal de-
posits. He expressed himself in full SYM
pathy with the purposes Of the conven-
ton.
Cows Hoch of Kansas and Sheldon of
Nebraska expressed their hearty apprecia-
ton of the accomplishments of the con-
ference.
Lieut.. Gov Davidson of Texas spoke Of
the needs OF his state for federal aid in
irrigation. A paper was read for Gov.
Cummins OF Iowa. who was detained by
illness in his family.
Sympathy for Mr.. Cleveland.
Then Mr. Bryan presented resolution
of regret at the absence and illness of
former President Grover Cleveland and
expressing the hope of the conference for
his speedy recovery. This resolution re-
ceived the heartiest Endorsement of the
ofoI
ton at the suggestion Of the President.
At this point an arrangement was made
for the printing in the record of the pre-
pared papers which were to have consti-
tuted the days program, none Of which
had been read. 1t also was ordered that
those who had made addresses might re-
wise them and those who had not might
prepare papers to be submitted to the res
olutions committee. whose duty it shall
be to determine whether or not they shall
20 in the record.
Gov. Blanchard moved that the conven-
the motion President Roosevelt said he
wished to extend his thanks to those who
had attended the conference.
President Ends Conference.
1.-THE White House. he said. has held
many distinguished gatherings in its day.
but I do not believe it has ever held as
governors and the representatives of the
executives of all the states of the Union.
II thank you for coming. and l can as
sure you that, at least, no body of guests
has ever been more welcome than you
have been to the White House.
The President then at 12:45 o'clock de-
clared the conference adjourned sine die.
Development Of Water Power.
1.-THE Conservation of Power Resources
was discussed by Mr.. II. st. Clair Put
nam of New York. and he brought to bear
wide range of practical knowledge on
the subject. Mr.. Putnams firm has been
engaged for years in the electrification of
the railroads in and about New York and
elsewhere. and he spoke In no uncertain
tones of the problem which the country
must face in the not very distant future
Of utilizing natural power resources rath-
er than encroach further and further upon