The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-12-19
WATERWAY
BONDS
ROOSEVELT AND TAFT PUT
THEMSELVES ON
RECORD.

nor chamberlain Vi OIcSOu kAu-
vocates Federal Jurisdiction and
Is Roundly Applauded.
President Roosevelt and Pesident-
Elecrt Taft have publicly put them
selves on record in advocacy of the is
suance of government bonds for the
construction Of permanent public i'm
provements to conserve the natural re-
sources of the nation. PRESIDENT Elect
Taft presided at the joint conservation
meeting at the Belasco theater in
Washington. President Roosevelt made
the principal address. He gave his un-
qualified approval of the carrying out
of expert plans for the conservation Of
the nations resources The coming
president seconded Mr.. Roosevelt's as
sertions with heatry accord.
Gov. Chamberlain, of Oregon, voiced
what seemed the advanced ground of
the Democratic party in advocacy of
the federal jurisdiction, and the audi
ence, which filed the theater, and
which included Andrew Carnegie, John
Mitchell, senators, congressman and
the governors of several states, ap-
plauded every sentiment expressed.
President Roosevelt spoke in part
as follows:
Taking Stock of Resources
''The prudent business man regular
ly takes account of stock, so that he
may know just where he stands; but
nations have been slow to profit by the
wise example. The United States is
substantially the first nation to inven-
tory it's stock on hand, and it has only
begun to do so in any definite way
within the last few months.
"Our natural resources are so related
that the use of one affects the use Of
all the others. This is especially true
of our waterways. Every man, wo-
man and child within our borders has
an interest in them, through naviga-
ton, power, irrigation or water sup
ply, or through all four. We have
neglected our waterways more than
any other natural resource and we
must put an end to that neglect. The
inland waterways commission has told
us how.
First, let us prepare comprehen-
sive plan for inland waterway develop
ment along the lines pointed out by
the commission. Such a plan must
consider every use of the waters 1t
must put the interests of all the people
in advance Of any private interests
whatsoever. The preparation of this
comprehensive plan should begin at
once.
Proceed With Construction
"Second, let us proceed Immediately
with the waterways for which plans
have already been approved, and which
we are now certain will fit into the
outlines of the general plan. Our pre-
vious policy of procrastination, delay,
and fitful and partial action, has borne
it's perfect fruit. Our waterways are
deserted, and in return for our vast ex-
penditures we have little or no actual
navigation to show. The people are
ready for change. Let US have it,
and at once. If we can pay the cost
from current revenues let US do so. If
not, let US issue bonds By either
method let us have the waterways, and
that quickly. The plan and the work
can and should proceed together.
While the work we are sure Of is being
begun, the plan for the rest can be pre-
pared.
Forests and waterways cannot be
separated in any successful treatment
of either. Forest protection and river
development must go hand in hand.
The three things that should be done
without any further delay are there
fore: First, to provide for a compre-
hensive plan of waterway develop
ment. Second, to begin at once on
work already planned that will surely
fit into the larger plan. Third, to pro-
vide amply for forest protection against
fire, against reckless cutting, against
wanton or reckless destruction of all
kinds, and to secure the Appalachian
and White mountain national forests
without delay
| The joint meeting brought together
the members of the conservation COM
mission and their helpers, the delegates
to the great Southern commercial con-
gress, the members of the rivers and
harbors congress and others interest
ed in working out a comprehensive
plan for making the most of the lands,
minerals, forests and waters that be-
long to the public domain of the Unit
ed States.
RIVERS AND HARBOR CONGRESS
URGES ISSUE OF BONDS