The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-16

perform our part and this duty. in a large degree is in the adoption of measures for the conservation of the natural wealth of the country.
 We declare our firm conviction that this conservatism of our national re- sources is a subject of transcendent importance which should engage un- remittingly the attention of the na- ton. the States and the people in earnest cooperation.
 We agree that the land should be reused and that erosine and soil wash should cease. that there should be re- clamation of arid and semi-arid re- gions by means of irrigation. and of swamp and overflowed regions by means of drainage: that the waters should be so conserved and used as to promote navigation to enable the arid regions to be reclaimed by irri- gation and to develop power in the interests of the people, that the for- ests which regulate our reserves. sup- port our industries and promote the fertility and productiveness of the soil; should be preserved and perpetuated; {; that the minerals found so abundantiy beneath the surface should be used as to prolong their utility; that the beauty, healthfulness and habitability of our country should be preserved and increased; that the sources of national wealth exist for the benefit of all the people and that the monopoly there of should not be tolerated
 Commends the President.
 "we commend the wise forethought of the President in sounding the note of warming as to the waste and ex- haustion of the natural resources of the country and signify our apprecia- ton of his action in calling this con- ference to consider the same and to seek remedies therefor.
 We agree that this co-operation should fi% expression in suitable action by the Congress within the limits of, and co-extensive with. the national jurisdiction of the subject, and. complementary thereto, by the legisla- lures of the several states.
 We declare the conviction that in the use of the natural resources our indepndent states are interdependent and bound together by ties of mutual benefits, responsibilities and duties.
 We agree in the wisdom of future conferences between the President, members of Congress and the Cover nors of the states regarding the con vention of our natural resources with the view of cooperation and action on the lines suggested. And to this end we advise that from time to time, as in his judgment may seem wise, the EreStuenI Cull tHc bONcEHOID oA eho States, members of Congress and others into conference.
 we agree that further action is advisable to ascertain the present con dition of our natural resources and to promote the conservation of the same. And to that end we recommend the ap- pointment by eech state of commits sion on the eohservatior of natural resources, to cooperate with each other and with any similar commission on be- half of the Federal government.
 we urge the extension of forest policies adapted to secure the renewal of our diminishing timber supply, the prevention of soil erosion. the protec- tion Of head-waters and the mainten- ance of the purity and navigability of our streams.
 We recognize that the private ownership of forest lands entails re- sponsibilities in the interests of all the people and we favor the enactment of laws locking tD the pr6tection and replacement of privately owned forests.
 we realize in our waters a most valuable asset of the people of the United States and we recommend the enactment of laws looking to their conservation. to the end that navigable