The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1908-12-09

country Prominent commercial org
anizations and men of character and
influence throughout practically ev-
| cry section of the country are enlist
ed in the cause it represents. Its work
being strictly National and in no sense
sectional, merits and should receive
| the support of our citizens.
| / thank all these organizations. The
results of the inventory of resources
will be laid before the present con-
ference by the National Conservation
Commission. l shall not attempt to
review these results further than to
say that the more striking facts
brought out at the Conference last
May were confirmed.
These facts are sopering. No right
minded citizen would stop the proper
use of our resources, but every good
American must realize that National
improvidence follows the same course
and leads to the same end as person
al improvidence, and that needless
waste must stop. The time to deride
or neglect the statements of experts
by. The time to act on what we know
has now arrived. Common prudence,
common sense, and common business
principles are applicable to National
affairs just as they are to private aft
airs, and the time has come to use
of our prosperity.
We must not grow hyster1cal or SEN
sational in depicting our condition.
But neither must we allow a false Sc
passed away to prevent us from see
ing the facts and applying business
COMMON SENSE to the situation
they disclose. The purpose of the in
ventory was to give the facts-not
to create alarm, but to take stock of
what we have, and so to lead to the
necessary action for it's preservation
and increase.
Our natural resources are so relat-
ed that the use of one affects the use
of all the others. This is especially
true of our waterways. Every man,
woman, and child within our borders
has an interest in them, through navi-
cation, power, irrigation, or water sup
ply, or through all four. We have ne
elected our waterways more than any
put an end to that neglect. The In
| land Waterways Commission has told
us how.
First, let us prepare a comprehen-
sive plan for inland waterway devel-
opment along the lines pointed out
by the Commission. Such plan must
consider every use of the waters, it
must put the interests of all the peo-
pie in advance of any private interests
whatsoever. The preparation of this
comprehensive plan should begin at
once.
! Second, let us proceed Immediately
with the construction of the water
ways for which plans have already
been approved, and which we are now
certain will ut into the outlines of the
Il
procrastination, delay, and fitful and
partial action, has borne it's perfect
fruit. Our waterways are deserted
| and in return for our vast expendit
ures we have little or no actual navi
cation to show. The people are ready
for a change. Let US have it, and a.
once. If we can pay the cost from cur
rent revenues let US do so. If not le7
us issue bonds. By either method, le1
us have the waterways and that quick
ly The plan and the work can AM
should proceed together. While thu
work we are sure of is being begun
the plan for the rest can be prepared
The work therefore should begin a
once. But there must not be the slight
est recklessness or waste of money
No work whatever should be under
Continued bottom next Col)