Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-05-28
CONFERENCE OF GOVERNORS.
Views Of Some on Conservation of the
Country's Natural Resources.

Views Of Some on Conservation Of the
Country's Natural Resources.
Views on the conference Of state gov
ernors and other notables called by
President Roosevelt to discuss the con-
serving OF the natural resources of the
United States were expressed as fol-
lows by Governor John A. johnson and
others.
Discussing the White House confer
ence Governor johnson said:
! think that some good should come of
IL. ] do not see now just wherein 1t takes
on governmental aspect. As / under
stand it, the problem of conserving and
making the most of inland waterways,
the coal supply and things of like nature
Is largely of an engineering nature.
can't see how state or the federal gov
eminent can dictate TO a man who owns
a coal mine how he shall mine his coal
! But ne can be educated and the confer
| ence should think. will be largely of an
| educational nature.
None of the correspondence that have
received on the subject has Indicated that
| the purpose OF the meeting is 10 extend
the federal power. IL that should develop
| ] am sure that It would meet quick and
| solid resistance.
| ] have views on that subject. We have
| had recent and unpleasant experience
| with the federal usurpation of power in
| my state ] am not in favor of the state
| surrendering one more function TO the
| federal government. The federal govern
ment has appropriated too much power
| already. If the governors have been
| brought here TO surrender the authority
of their states-if they have brought Us
| here TO make Alexander Hamiltons of us
we shall have 10 object strenuousiy.
| But If that Is the case il has yet 10 de-
velOp.
The governor. discussing an annual
meeting of governors said:
| i would favor such a gathering some
| where in the middle west where it would
| he equally accessible from all states The
! laws in the several states arc SO different
that any movement toward uniformity
| should be encouraged At these meetings
the governors by discussion and compare
| son could ind out which states have the
best laws on subjects of Importance and
these could be recommended 10 their sew
| eral legislatures.
Governor f $ Stuart of PeDnsyI-
/ vania before leaving for the conference
said:
hepresident' 3 administra ton Ia $ brought
about and accomplished a great many
policies which have been beneficial to
The American people. but he has never
those IiVIng and those to come than this
conference called to cndeavor to arrange
some plan for conserving our natural re-
sources
| Pennsylvania some years ago began.
among other things. the preservation of
It's forests and today has one of the best
| organizations for the purpose in the coun-
try II has achieved much as. posi-
bly, more than, any other state along this
| line.
At present we have nearly million
acres of reservation which the state Is
taking care of and planting with new
trees Pennsylvania is doing that which
: In The future Will make what are now
virtually waste 9ands not only valuable
In assisting the preservation of our wa
ter supply, but OF immeaSurable benefit
To coming generations.
Governor Charles NJ. Floyd of New
Hampshire WING was full of the con
=. ference. l.
had no ia that the object ard pos
sii,Iitiessof the circumference are really 81
i great as was proved to US by the presi
dent. see now that this conference !:
to- be historic, not only for the unique
fact of The sumrnoning of governors anC
| | Specialists into touch with each other
but Tor results that may be cUnfidentl,
!, anticipated
Governor Thomas NJ. Campbell an(
the delegation from Texas We're deter
mined to advertise some of the natura
resources of their state. The othe
afternoon when the delegates entered
the White House they found awaitin;
them u great bunch of the fragran
jasmine blossom with courteou
attendant in charge urging each an,
every one To take ali he could carry
The delegates responded to the over
lures, and all the coats in the cas-
room were decorated with huge. whit
blooms.