New-York tribune., 1908-05-25
GOVERNORS MEETING.
Future Effect of Gathering to Con-
ser--e NGton's Resources.
~. Editor OF The Tribune.

~ ~. Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: The growth of institutions proceeds by the
f.,- processes OF unseen forces. often unsuspect-
.s,- e+ work until there sudden e1fiores-
,ence which like the blossom Of the century plant
may have had hundred years Of effort and Tlcis-
f-u5e behind Il. The conference OF Governors just
p.1d In Washington such a manifestation
T-nnoticed by the tendencies and influence which
t-or,rht II about have been long at work We
So. witnessed its en1orescence, but can hardly
conjecture what its full fruitage will be. The re-
-,orr adopted by the Governors is the most sig
,sA,snt and far reaching state paper that mas
80, -r- o11t since the emancipation proclamation
II indicates vast possibilities Of change In the
very structure OF our government and illustrates
how even under q written constitution modiilca-
.io- may come, profoundly affecting insu1uuoiis'
without amending the instrument
The Governors agree IN the wisdom OF future
conferences" Who can tell what weight anu
mower such body, meeting at first voluntarily
nav come by the sanction OF long usage ana the
,n-estise Of successful operations 10 nave lis
mower was al once apparent on Congress in quick
ened action even in closing days Of the session.
on measures connected with the purpose Whcn
brought the Governors together and IL is sa1e 10
sss7Inoe that Congress VIII always yield TO any
,,,.,.d demand which such conference OF Gov
ernors may make on #
II is interesting 20 speculate as 10 whether me
regular convening cf the conference now tnat II
has been established viii tend 10 the consolidation
,f +he federal government VIII rather keep il
a.. -,ect- The fact that the representatives of the
,.ste governments come together the call OF the
President that his is the initiative. and tnst the
meetings are 70 he at Washington. uiluer 1he
shadow OF the general government and where Its
s-Huence IS most felt, would naturally more ana
more make that influence paramount and diminish
that OF the states On the other hand. should the
Governors uniformly and determinedly act together
N maintain intact the rights Of the states ana
check any ercroachrnent them the conferences
might prove powerful factor in retarding CEN
t-altzation
The Governors Association can Of course meet
at any time and at any place II may choose 10
designate aside from the conference at Wash
.nEton called by the President, and there Is wide
scene FOR useful action on their part in bringing
etout harmony Of state legislation and action on
subjects such sanitation. commercial law
divorce and other questions, uniformity OF atu-
tude IN regard which would largely diminish
-he temptation and necessity for federal inter
ference.
Nothing could have been more harmonious or
cner than the spirit which pervaded the sessions
There was no tinse Of partisanship or sectional
ism throughout The Presidents conception was
q noble one and the conference rose 70 It lie
has srssped the fact and brought II 10 fun re-
s1fzstton while the country still only dlmly
conscious Of il, that are rapidly endangerins
our future by wasting resources. and he asked
the Governors TO and talk II with him
When he himself and the experts he had selected
had presented the case 10 them they found them
selves in instant agreement with him. and were
unanimous in the report they adopted. recon-
-nending action along the lines which he had been
vafrlv urging Congress 10 follow, That the i'm
perus given by the conference VIII result IN
speedy and beneficial action cannot he questioned
snd II ruay give the White Mountains and
apnalachian reserves al this session, which owing
TO opposition tD a high place had seemed hope
less
Aside from the purpose for which It was called
and which II has perfectly fulfilled many In
cidental effects may be expected 70 grow out Of
this unique and unprecedented gathering. The
cordial appreciation OF the Presidents attitude
and action, the prevalence and expression OF good
feeling among all the members, the opportunity
for acquaintance and exchange OF views all lent
Themselves TO the establishment OF sympathy and
unity and the growth OF closer ties
The great clock Of time. whose hours are
epochs has struck and II is belief already
widely expressed that future generations will
point back TO this conference turning point
81 cur history, and furnishing the highest
claim 70 distinction and gratitude 10 the admin
fstration Of President which was full Of notable
achievement A H
Washington. May 1s 1903.