The Washington herald., 1908-05-15

While a great deal of the impressive
elaborateness which marked the opening
meeting Of the governors conference was
eliminated yesterday, the session was.
nevertheless. highly interesting. and the
conservation Of natural resources took a
tangible form. and seems now to be past
the theoretical stage.
The first tangible thing toward prac-
tieai action came late in the afternoon,
when Gov Folk. Of Missouri, IN the de-
livery Of an address replete with Interest,"
ing matter, announced that in an effort
to conform with the ideas Of the confer
ence. he had determined. Immediately on
his return home. to appoint forestry
commission. which would have for its aim
the preservation of the forests in the
Commonwealth Of Missouri.
The announcement was greeted with
the widest cheering. and nearly every
governor who followed Mr.. Folk an
nounced his intention Of acting in a
similar manner.
Just after Gov. Folk had left the ros-
trum. Hon. Chase S. Osborne. OF sauit
Ste. Marie, was given the floor. and ar
nounoed that the bin making tie Inland
Waterways Commission, a body appointed
about year ago by President Roosevelt
and since preserved without authority Of
law. a permanent organization, and ap-
propriating funds for its maintenance.
had Just been reported favorably in tie
Senate.
Drowned hy Cheers.
he hailed this as direct result Of the
work OF the gathering and at his juno
ture his voice was drowned by cheers and
applause from every part Of the room.
8Er. Osborne said the committee, accord
ing to the bin. would be composed of nine
members. He became enthusiastic in his
remarks, and after eulogizing Gov. Folk
for his determination 70 appoint a fores-
try commission. he said.
When we go home lets all determine
to do something toward this wonderful
undertaking"
The closing OF his remarks was followed
with applause.
The second days session was called 10
order at 1910 O'Clock yesterday morning
by President Roosevelt, who was warmly
greeted when he entered the East Room,
from the main corridor of the White
House. After rapping for order, the Presi-
dent. in accordance with his announce
ment Of the first day, called Gov. john
A. johnson, Of Minnesota, TO the chair.
Prior to the entrance of the President
the scene was a lively one and there was
a general hum Of conversation. Despite
the heat of the room. which was intense.
every seat was occupied and the doors
were thronged with listeners and spec
tators.
After summoning Gov, Johnson to the
chair the President called on James J.
Hill. railroad magnate. and one OF the
four especial guests Of the conference,
TO speak. Mr.. Hi chose for his theme.
''The natural wealth of the land and its
conservation" He spoke in part as fol-
lows:
Mr. Hills Address.
In some respects the occasion that
calls together this assemblage is unpre-
cedented. The dignity and public influence
OF those present as guests and advisers
mark its Importance. II is in eject a d.
reetors' meeting of the great political and
economic corporation known as the Unit
ed States IF America. The stockholders
are the 100000 people Of this country;
the directors are the state and Federal
officers. whose position brings them in
touch with the operation Of the whole
country. We should not fail TO recognize
the high note that has been struck and
the immensity OF the interests involved
upon the lives OF millions yet 10 be.
1.-TWO years ago, in an address delivered
before the meeting OF the Minnesota
state Agricultural Society, at ST. Paul.
I reviewed the practical consequences and
the statistical proof of thai national
wastefulness which competent scientific
authority had already set down as dis
tinguishing the American people. From
data OF the highest certainty, no one OF
which has ever been called in question,
then forecast some of the conditions
certain to arise within the next half cen-
tury. when the population or this coun-
try viii have grown 20 more than 2q9.-
o0o.000 The facts were pointed out not in
the spirit Of the alarmist, but in order
that attention might De directed 20 the
way by which the nation may escape
future disaster. SO rapidly do events
move IN our time so swiftly do ideas
spread and grasp the public mind. that
some policy directed 10 the ends then set
forth has already become a national care.
For the first time. there is a formal ma
tional protest, under seal Of the highest
authority. against economic waste.
'The method By which this end IS 70
be reached IS scarcely less interesting
or significant. This. body has no legal
status and its conclusions win not ke of
binding effect upon the nation. the State.
or the individual Yet they viii carry a
weight greater than legislatures can Inn
part. force that even courts could not
strengthen. because they viii not be sub
ject to repeal They VIII represent a truly
national opinion expressed with fidelity 10
our national constitutional form. The
people of the United States are represent
ed here through the several States Nay
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