The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1908-04-15
Of RESOURCES
May Conference In Washington
to Sc a Notable Affair.
CALLED By THE PRESIDENT.

All Governors Of States and Some Of
the Most Representative Citizens to
Take Part-0esire to Frame Working
Basis For Plans Of Conservation.
Replies from he governors OF many
states have been received at the White
House accepting the presidents invita-
ton extended to the chief executives
Of all the states and territories to meet
in Washington on May 13. IA and is
and confer upon the conservation of
the country's natural resources. The
attendance of all the governors Of the
United States is practically assured
at what will be one of the most nota-
bic gatherings Of its time yer held in
the United States, says the New York
Posts special Washington correspond
ent. So far rs is known. 1t will be the
first time the governors Of all the
states have met with the president Of
the United States in one assemblage.
Each governor will be accompanied
by three delegates. The governors have
shown a disposition to name some of
the ablest men in their states. For in
stance, Governor Lea of Delaware has
named as Il OF the representatives Of
that state Judge George Gray. who has
been mentioned as a Democratic clndi-
date for the presidency. The names
Of all the representatives will no.. he
given out until the list is complete, tut
It now comprises some Of the repre-
sentative mrn Of the country and
shows that the governors have not
made the appointments on a political
basis.
The sessions OF the conferences will
be held in the east room of the White
House, and President Roosevelt ex-
poets to preside at each days meeting.
While the governors are here they will
be guests OF the president at a dinner
to be given probably the night before
the conference opens.
The object of the conference is to get
down to d practical working basis on
the plans for the conservation of the
country's natural There Is
to be no set programme, although sim
ply as a basis of discussion the subject
to be considered will be presented by
ON recognized authority. The main
object Of the conference, however, Is
to afford a full and free opportunity
FOR the governors to express their opin-
ions as to how the natural our of
the country can best be preserved and
particularly as to the exhaustion of the
resources of their respective states and
the steps which they regard as advisa-
be to preserve these
The attendance at the daily sessions
will be limited in number, as the seat
Ing capacity Of the east room is not
more than six or seven hundred. The
conference will he made up. in addition
to the governors and the represent
atives which they will bring with them,
or the senator's and representatives in
congress, the nine members of the in
land waterways commission. which has
been intrusted by tho president with
making plans for the conservation of
natural resources. and also represent
atives of some of the organizations
which are peculiarly interested in the
subject to be discussed. The White
House mail has been burdened of late
with letters from almost every con-
ceivable organization. almost every one
Of which has presented some urgent
reason why that particular organiza-
ton should he included in the confer
enc
The United States inland waterways
commission is now at work on its re-
port. in which it will include guiding
suggestions as to the general improve
ment and development Of the inland
waterways Of the country and some
suggestions for the preservation Of
natural resources. And it is reason
able to expect that much Of the ma
terial. figures and statistics that the
commission has been collecting since it
was appointed last March will be pre-
sented and form a basis for the discus
sion at the White House conference.
Such organizations as the American
Society of Civil Engineers and others
of equal Importance have signifed their
intention Of sending some member Of
recognized standing in the United
States as their representative at the
conference.
The governors have responded with
out regard to geographical location or
party politics. The responses Of the
west and south have been as enthusi-
astic and cordial as those from the
north and east. So far not a single
governor has shown opposition to the
plan.
The approaching conference does not
express a new idea. but it Is expected
to propose the establishment Of one
great, comprehensive plan instead Of
separate efforts by different ~organiza.
tons or even different departments Of
government toward the same end. 1t
proposes to consider under one general
plan the improvement Of the rivers Of
the country for all possible uses; the
preservation OF the forests. which pro-
tect the ~headwaters Of the rivers: the
question of irrigation. drainage. food
prevention. water power. soil erosion.
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