Daily Kennebec journal., 1908-09-23

that at the conference of governors
called by President Roosevelt two SUBJ
jects always attracted attention, forest
preservation and conservation Of the
water supply. 1t was his opinion that
the matter of forest fires was more
critical in the settled portions of the
State than it is in the wild lands. He
advocated better care of cut-over lots
and better organization in fighting
fires.
He made a suggestion that the State
Board of Trade appoint a committee
to make the matter a subject of their
study until the session of the Legis-
ture; and make it their care during
he session.
The paper of Francis L. Littlef1eld OF
Portland on Causes and Prevention of
Forest Fires" was read by Secretary
Blanding.
The writer said that the slipshOd
method of caring for woodlots was one
of the causes of fires; cigars. pipes and
cigarettes: but the worst is from loco
motives. "The railroads have to pay
for the fires they set. and why should
they not pay for methods Of preven-
tion?" The writer believed in the es-
tablishment of a fire patrol in the
semi wooded portions of the State, just
as has been established in the wild
lands. That this was no wild scheme.
he gave as an instance the case of
Peaks Island, where a fire warden
has been placed by the city of Port
land. This system has resulted In a
change Of the conditions at Peaks Is
land. He believed that the cause
should be removed, and better meth
DDS put in operation for fighting the
fires.
John r. Graham of Bangor address,
ed the board at some length. and told
in detail the work which is being car
ried forward by the electric railroad
systems Of which he is the head.
Director George Otis Smith said that
the time may come when the steam
railroads will be transferred to elec-
trio power This he believed, would
settle the question of forest protec-
tiop.
DR.. Wheeler said that what is wanted
is the upbuilding of the State of Maine.
He was glad for such men as John X.
Graham, and wanted more of them.
Mr. Goudy believed it would be good
for the Maine banks if they would take
doing.
Mr. Graham said that he believed
that the present method of taxing rail-
roads in the state of Maine could not
be improved upon. II would hate very
much to see the Legislature change
the method of taxation this year; it is
satisfactory as it is." said Mr.. Graham
Transportation and good transporta-
ton underlies the prosperity of any
community It is that kind of service
that increases the business"
Messrs Randall. White and Furbush
were appointed members Of the pro-
gram committee.
President Hchborn, in closing the
meeting, said that in his opinion the
session was the most important in the
history of the organization. He pre-
sented to the board the proposition that
the Legislative committee go before the
Legislature and urge the passage of a
bill for the raising of quarter of
mill or a half mill, of taxes for the
purchase and reforestation of the de-
| nuded forest lands of the State.
"The Evolution of the Oldtime Store
| into the Department Store" was the
subject of a pleasing address by Hen
ry A. Free of Lewiston. Mr.. Free
traced the evolution of the great de-
partment store from the country cross
roads stores. The public appreciates
| the merchandise at one store.
"Why do these department stores
succeed? Because the public appre-
| ciates the opportunity of buying what
| it wants and all it wants in one place.
1--WE have in our store club. purely
| democratic, governed by parliament
| tarv rules The management of our
store suggested this club for reciprocal
benefits among the employees.
"The co-workers' relief committee
| renders aid to needy cO-workers by
| the consent of the club. Each CO.
| worker receives at the end of each six
months a dividend based upon his sal
| ary. l hold that the elevator boy in
his position is just as important as
| one in so-called higher position
"In these days of competition. ser
vice makes the difference between fail
ure and success. Let US give these
| employees a goal to work for; a cordial
relationship which shall bring co-work-
| ers together. The plan has been very
successful. causing a marked improve
ment of the service.
1.-The prime reason for the develop
ment is the matter of service to the
public. and in order to get that service
| YOU must have something more than
the mechanical appliances. A stores
interior policy must be such as to in
| spirc confidence. l believe in the value
| of enthusiasm in a business. Nothing
great was ever accomplished without
| it,"
| The speaker said that the evolution
/ f.o,,, tho nldtine country store to the