Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-15
PRINCIPLES DECLARED.
Report Adopted by the Conferences
Of Governors

ciples adopted by the governors today fol-
lows:
I'VE. the governors of the states and
territories Of the United States Of Ameri-
ca. in conference assembled. do hereby de-
clare the conviction that the great pros
perity Of our country rests upon the
abundant resources of the land chosen by
our forefathers for their homes. and
where they laid the foundation of this
great nation.
I'VE look upon these resources as a
heritage to be made use Of in establish
Ing and promoting the comfort. prosperity
and happiness of the American people. but
not to be wasted. deteriorated nor need
lessly destroyed
I'VE agree that our country's future is
involved in this: that the great natural
which our civilization must continue 10
depend. and upon which the perpetuity
of the nation itself rests.
I'VE agree. in the light Of fac.s brought
to our knowledge and from information
received from sources which We cannot
doubt that this material basis is threat
ened with exhaustion. Even as each sue
ceeding generation from the Birth of the
nation has performed its part In pro-
IOtIHS tie progress ana development OF
the republic, so do We in this generation
recognize 1t as a high duty to perform
our part. and this duty in large degree in
the adoption of measures for the conser-
walton of the natural wealth Of the coun-
try.
I'VE declare our firm conviction that
this conservation of our natural re-
sources Is a subject Of transcendent i'm
portance. which should engage unremit-
tingly the attention Of the nation. the
states and the people in earnest co-opera-
ton. These natural resources include the
land on which we live and which yields
our food! the living waters which fertilize
the soil. supply power and form great
avenues Of commerce.: the forests which
yield the materials for our homes prevent
erosion of the soil and conserve the navt-
cation and other uses OF our streams. and
the minerals which form the basis of our
industrial life and supply US with heat.
light and power.
I'VE agree that the land should be SO
used that erosion and soil wash should
cease; that there should be reclamation OF
arid and semi-arid regions by means OF
irrigation and of swamp and Overnoweo
regions by means of drainage; that the
waters should be SO conserved and usec
as to promote navigation. to enable tne
arid regions to be reclaimed by irrigation
and to develop power In the interests o.
the people: that the forests. which regu.
late our rivers. support our industries anC
promote the fertility and productiveness
Of the soil, should be preserved and per-
petuated; that the minerals FOUND &c
abundantly beneath the surface should o.
SO used as to prolong their utility: thai
the beauty, healthfulness and habitabiiitS
Of our country should be preserved ant
increased: that the sources OF nationa
wealth exist for the benefit OF all thu
people, and that the monopoly thereo
should not be tolerated.
1--WE commend the wise forethought o.
the President in sounding the note o.
warning as to the waste ana exhaustion
of the natural resources of the country
and signify our high appreciation Of hi:
action in calling this conference to con
slider the same and to seek remedies
therefor through cooperation OF the ma
ton and the states.
I'VE agree that this cooperation should
find expression in suitable action by the
Congress within the limits of. and cock
tensive with, the national Jurisdiction OF
the subject. and complimentary thereto
by the legislatures of the several states
within the limits of. and co-extensive
with. their jurisdiction.
I'VE declare the conviction that In The
use of the natural resources our inde.
pendent states are interdependent anc
bound together by ties Of mutual bene'
fits. responsibilities and duties.
I'VE agree in the wisdom Of future con-
ferences between the President. members
states regarding the conservation OF oul
natural resources. with the view Of con
tinued cooperation and action on the
lines suggested. And to this end we ad
wise that from time to time. as In hi
Judgment may seem wise. the President
call the governors Of the states. member.
Of Congress and others into conference.
I'VE agree that further action Is ad
visable to ascertain the present condition
of our natural resources and to promote
the conservation of the same. And t.
that end we recommend the appointment
by each state Of a commission on thu
conservation Of natural resources, to co
operate with each other and with an.
similar commission on behalf of the fed
eral government
I'VE urge the continuation and extern
sion of forest policies adapted to secure
the outstanding and renewal of our di
minishing timber supply, the prevention
Of soil erosion, the protection of head
waters and the maintenance of the purit!
and navigability of our streams. W.
recognize that the private ownership o
forest lands entails responsibilities In TIT
interests of all the people. and we favo
the enactment of laws looking to thu
protection and replacement OF prtvatel!
owned forests.
I'VE recognize in our waters mos
valuable asset of the people Of the United
States, and we recommend the enact
ment of laws looking to the conservation
of water resources for irrigation. water
supply, power and navigation. to the enc
that navigable and source streams ma,
be brought under complete control and
fully utilized for every purpose. W.
especially urge on the federal Congress!
the immediate adoption of wise. active
and thorough waterway policy. providing
for the prompt improvement OF oul
streams and conservation of their water
sheds required for the uses of commerce
and the protection of the interests Of oul
people.
looking to the prevention of waste ir
the mining and extraction Of coal. oil. ga.
and other minerals with a view to theil
wise conservation for the use of thu
people and to the protection OF human
life in the mines.
Let us conserve the foundations of ouI
prosperity
CONFERENCE NOTES.