The Washington herald., 1908-05-16

he has given me 20 participate IN shis
meeting; the conference marks the begin
ming OF new era, during which inereas-
ing attention will be given to the far
reaching problems involved in the con-
servauon OF the nations resources.
''The epoch-making speech with which
the Chief Executive opened the first ses-
sion must exert a powerful influence
upon the country at large. as it has upon
those who were fortunate enough TO hear
him.
Jealous OF State Rights.
Il am a strict eonstruetionist. If that
means 10 believe that the Federal gov
ernment is one of delegated powers, and
that constitutional limitations should be
carefully observed. I am jealous OF any
encroachment upon the rights OF the
State, believing that the States are as
indestructible as the Union Is indissoluble-
1T rs entirely consistent with this the
ory 10 believe, as I do believe. that 1t
Is just as imperative that the general
government shall discharge the duties
delegated 10 il. as 1t is that the States
shall exercise the powers reserved TO
them.
There IS no twilight zone between the
nation and the State. in which exploiting
interests can take refuge from both.
And my observation rs that most-not all,
but most-of the contentious over the
line between nation and State are trace
able 10 predatory corporations which are
trying to shield themselves from deserved
punishment. or endeavoring 20 prevent
needed restraining legislation.
The nrst point which / desire to make
is that earnest men, with an unselhsh
purpose. and concerned only for the pub
lie good, will be able 20 agree upon legi's-
lation which will not only preserve for
the future the inheritance which we
have received from a bounhful Provi-
dence, but preserve Il In such way as
to avoid the dangers Of Capitalization.
Nothing that Is necessary IS impossible.
and il would be a reflection upon the in
tellgence. as well as upon the patriotism
OF our. people, TO doubt the value Of gath
erings OF this kind
Suggestions for Conservation.
THE time allotted to each speaker IS
so short, that, instead OF attempting to
discuss the various questions presented,
I shall content myself with a few sug-
gestions in line with the able papers that
have been presented by the specialists
who have appeared before US ] begin
with the proposition that it should be our
purpose not only to preserve the nations
resources for future generations by re-
Gucing waste TO a minimum, but that We
should see to It that few OF the people
do not monopolize that which is in equity
the property OF all the people.
The earth belongs to each generation.
It is as criminal to fetter future genera
tons with perpetual franchises, making
the multitude servants to favored fac
ton OF the population, as 1t would be
to unnecessarily impair the common store.
am glad that Secretary Garfield en-
phasized this point. Il is one that must
always be kept IN mind by the nation ana
by the several States.
THE hrst national asset is 10 be found
in the life of the people, and Mr.. Mitchell
properly and with great force pointed
out the importance of safeguarding the
life the limbs. and the health OF those
who are engaged in converting the ma
tion7s natural resources into material
wealth I would go a step farther, ana
say we could well afford to include In
the appropriations made by Congress
sum sufficient to carry on necessary in
vestigations into the cause OF diseases
national in their scope. and to stimulate
the search for remedies which would add
To the life. health. and usefulness OF the
whole population.
Regarding Coal and Timber.
II was surprised at the statistics given
in regard TO our coal and our iron ore.
While 1t is possible that new coal meas
ures and new ore beds may be discovered,
wa cannot afford to base our conduct
upon speculations as 10 what may yet
be discovered. We should begin an intel
ligent supervision and conservation Of
that which is known TO exist
Il respectfully submit that it is worth
while to ask ourselves whether we can
afford to offer a bounty to those who
are engaged in exhausting the supply Of
raw materials, which when gone cannot
be replaced. Surely II there is any i'm
portation which we can properly en-
courage by a free list. it Is the importa-
ton Of those raw materials Of which our
own supply is limited,
"And what I say In regard to coal and
iron ore is equally applicable to timber.
1t is hardly consistent 20 discourage the
importation OF lumber, while we worry
about the devastation of our forests.
mir. Hill has rendered the conference a
real service n presenting the facts and
statistics set forth in his address on
Land and It's cultivation.
Already. the rapid growth Of the agri-
cultural college offers encouragement. !
am glad TO express my appreciation OF
the valuable work done by Secretary VIII
son and his associates in bringing to cur
country fruits. plants. and grasses suited
to the different parts OF our country.
As the farmer pays more than his share
of the taxes. and receives less than his
share Of the direct benefits which flow
from national appropriations. it is only
Justice to him that we shall be liberal
IN the support Of every effort put forth
for the Improvement of agriculture.
Irrigation has justified the arguments
which led to the Inauguration OF the
work. No one who has witnessed the
transformation Of the desert into field and
garden can doubt the wisdom of the
steps that have been taken.
1.-THE same principle which was invoked
in support Of irrigation can be invoked
IN support Of drainage.
mo subject has been brought out more
prominently at this conference than the
subject of forestry. II justifies the time
devoted to It, for our timber lands touch
our national interests at several points.
BENEFITS of Woodlands.
"As has been shown. the timber on our
ranges protects cur water sup
ply. Not TO speak Of changes in climate
which might follow the denuding of our
mountains. the loss 70 the irrigated coun-