The sun., 1908-05-15
CONFERENCE OF GOVERNORS
JAMES J. HILLS SPEECH THE
FEATURE or THE DAY.
Gov. johnson Makes q Hit With His Coed
Clothes and His Easy way Of PRESIDING
Great Applause Whon Grover Glove
lands Name Was SpOk "a by Gov. Glenn

lands Name Was spOk "a by Gov. Glenn
WARRINGTON, May il.-The second day
OF the White House conference on the oon-
seryation OF natural resources was much
like the first, only there was less ceremony
and not 30 much seriousness In the treat
ment Of serious subjects Gov John A.
Johneon OF Minnesota increased his popu-
larity with the Governors and delegates
by a display Of certain humorous qualities
in the exercise OF his duty as presiding ofioer
during the morning session.
The weather continued very warm and
the Governors, feeling more at home than
Yesterday, fewer irock coats we're in evl-
denoe and not nearly 80 many silk hats
Gov. johnson, however, in token Of his
Office as chairman Of the morning session,
wore a long black coat and dark trousers,
although he appeared yesterday in plain
business suit Of pale green. The fact is
that Mr. johnson has accomplished more
in the sartorial line than any other Governor
attending the conference, This afternoon
he affected still another change by wearing
a sack suit Of blue serge
Sober speeches were read at to-day's
sessions by expert authorities on forests
and agricultural lands, and he best points
In each paper received the stamp OF ap-
proval, II generous applause is any indica-
ton, but the impromptu speakers who
Joined in the informal general discussion
also met with a cordial reception,
Gov. Glenn Of North Carolina made
speech Of the ringing order, with no technI-
cal discussion. but a good deal Of fun in It,
and this speech captured the meeting.
The first demonstration came when, in
opening his remarks he declared that in
the language Of Grover Cleveland Igreat
applause and cheersl 1T is a condition and
not a theory which confronts us The
audible approval which greeted the mem
ton Of Mr.. Cleveland's name was equalled
but not exceeded moment later when Gov
Glenn referred In terms OF warm praise TO
Presidept Roosevelt.
The Empire State was represented dur
inK the mornings discussion by Forest
Commissioner James g. Whipple, and no
speaker met a warmer reception. Mr.
whpple talked about the work Of the State
In reforestration.
The sessions yesterday had to do with
the mines. and the meeting tomorrow will
be for the discussion Of the waters Of the
country. To-day the land was the gen
eral subject Of all the set speeches and
the discussion which followed the reading
Of papers.
President Roosevelt came over from
his Office, where he had gone Immediately
after breakfast. and entered the East Room
at quarter past ten. He was escorted
to the platform by Capt, Mccoy, who wore
the service uniform Of a cavalry ofioer,
but there was no fanfare Of trumpets, as
there was yesterday morning when the
President arrived With the least possible
formality the President called the meeting
to order After saying in low tone, as
IL speaking to some one in the front row
OF seats, that Gov Dineen would preside
at the afternoon session in his absence
the President said is Mr. Hill hereT
James j. Hill rose and stepped to the plat
form, where the President shook hands
With him, remarking. -Mr, Hill will read
r first paper The President left the
ON and returned TO his Office before
fr. Hill had concluded and Gov. johnson
OF Minnesota took the chair as temporary
presiding ofhcer.
The subject Of Mr.. Hills remarks was
'The Natural Wealth Of the Land and it's
Conservation The speaker received a
round Of applause at the outset and he
vas interrupted from time to time by hand
olapping. Before he had finished half Of
his address the bell sounded the warning,
S-ifen meant 'three minutes more and
Mr.. Hill paused, but the chairman made
a gesture indicating that he should pro-
ceed Three minutes later came two strokes
OF the bell and Mr. Hill stopped again; but
loud calls Of Go on 60 on encouraged
him 10 proceed and he was not interrupted
again. Mr., Hills address was in part as
follows
james }. HIll'S Address.
Two years ago in an address delivered
before the meeting OF the Minnesota State
Agricultural Society at 81. Paul | reviewed
the practical consequences and the statistical
proof Of that national wastefulness which
competent scientific authority had already
set down az dstn gushing the American
PEOPLE. From data Of the highest certainty,
no one Of which has ever since been called
In question, then forecast some OF the con-
ditions certain to arise within the next half
century. when the population OF this country
will have grown TO more than 10000, 600,
The facts we're pointed out not In the spirit
OF the alarmist but 10 order that attention
might be directed to the way by which the
nation may escape future disaster. SO
RAPIDLY do events move in our time, 80 swiftly
do ideas spread and grasp the public mind
that some policy directed to the ends then set
forth has already become a national care.
II il this pOlicy-the conservation OF national
resources, the best means Of putting an end
10 the waste Of the sources OF wealth-whiOh
largely forms the subject matter OF this con-
ference. For the frsi time there is a formal
national protest under seal Of the highest
authority against economic waste
The method bv which this end Ia to be
reached is scarcely lcss interesting or sig
nifcant. This body has no legal status and
its conclusions will not be Of binding enect
upon the nation, the State or the individual.
Yet they will carry a weight greater than
Legislatures can impart. a force that even
courts could not strengthen. because they
will not be sub ect 10 repeal. They will repre-
sent a truly national opinion, expressed with
fidelity 10 our national constitutional form,
The people Of the United States are repre-
sented here through the several states. May
we not hope that from this gathering there
may be born not only wiser system OF using
the still remaining resources OF this country
hut cooperation between nation and stat g
that shall be helpful in our political as these
deliberations ought to be in our economic