The Mena weekly star., 1908-05-14
II IS AN INNOVATION
CONFERENCE OF GOVERNORS AT WHITE HOUSE THIS WEEK
 IS SOMETHING NEW.
MARKS CHANGE IN POLITICAL METHODS
First Time in History of Country That President Has Conferred With Gov ernors of States on Great Public Issue-Notabe Array of Speakers Selected.


 Washington, May 10.--Co-operation between the federal and state govern ments that the best methods may ob- tain in developing and conserving the natural resources Of the country is the end sought by President Roosevelt in arranging for the three days confer ence of governors at the White House this week. Conditions are favorable for many interesting phases and his tory.making possibilities The scope of the subject is unlimited; the pro- posed method of dealing with it is new and marks a distinct step forward in the political methods of the coun- try. Never before has president conferred with all the governors of the states; never before has the White house. with its long record of social and state functions sheltered a large convention called for the considera- ton of great public issue; never be- fore has the question of the conserya- ton of the nations natural resources been made the subject of considerar ton by a great deliberative body.
 The reception accorded this project indicates that the people of the coun- try expect definite results of far reaching character. But no cut-and- dried programme will be presented for the consideration of the governors and delegates. After hearing from ex- perts the conditions which the country Is facing. the members of the confer snce will themselves decide whether anything ought to be done and what. Some have suggested the advisability of forming a great national organiza- ton to carry forward the plans origi- mated in the conference. The probabil- ity is that, at the least some basis will be laid for future cooperation be- tween the federal and state govern ments in a vigorous policy of conser- vation, for one of the things which will be shown most forcibly at the confer ence is that neither the states nor the Afederal government can make satisfac- fory headway Independently The de- tailed arrangements for the conference accorded with the independence of the discussion.
 A notable array of speakers has been selected for the conference. For the discussion of each topic was se- lected the most eminent expert known to the advisers of President Roosevelt Among the most prominent speakers will be Andrew Carnegie, on "Ore and Related Minerals;' James J. Hill, chairman of the board of directors of the Great Northern Railway company, on Transportation" and John Mitch ell, former president of the United Mine Workers of America, who will cad the discussion on Coal Mining" The other speakers will include such well known authorities as Prof. Elm Try R. Johnson of the University of
 'ennsylvania at Philadelphia and for
 ierly member of the istmian canal | commission. on "Navigation;" H. S. | Putnam, civil engineer of New York, who has devoted much of his time to the electrification of railroads, on | "Power;' Prof T. Chamberlain, Chi cago, on "Soil.' He is president of the American Association for the Ad- vancement of Science" R. A. Long. Kansas City. a prominent lumberman. will discuss Forests" Dr. George M. Robert of Washington, D. C., will talk of Sanitation Former Gov George c. Pardee, Oakland, Cal, will speak on Reclamation Judge Joseph M. Carey. Cheyenne. Wyo.. will discuss Land Laws" l.. A. Lastro. Bakers field, Cal, will talk on Grazing and Stock Raising" He is president of the American National Stock associa- tion Mineral Fuels" will be the top ic of pr. I. c. White. Morgantown, w.
 Va. He is professor of geology in the
 University of West Virginia.