Omaha daily bee., 1908-05-16

use Of the natural resources our independ-
ent states are interdependent and bound
together by ties OF mutual benefit, re-
sponsibilities and duties.
We agree in the wisdom Of future con-
ferences between the president members
oI congress and the governors Of the states
regarding the conservation OF our natural
resources with the view Of continued oper-
alton and action on the lines suggested
TO time. as in his judgment may seem wise
The president call the governors Of the
states. members Of congress and others
into conference.
Commission in Each state.
We agree that further action is advisable
TO ascertain the present condition Of our
natural resources and 10 promote the con
servation Of the same. And 10 that end We
recommend the appointment by each
state Of a commission on conservation OF
natural resources, TO cooperate with each
other and with any commission, on behalf
Of the federal government.
We urge the continuation and extension
of forest policies adapted TO secure the
outstanding and renewal Of our diminishing
timebr supply, the prevention Of sol erosion.
the protection Of head waters, and the
maintenance Of the purity ana navigabihty
Of our streams. We recognize that the
private ownership Of forest lands lends
responsibilities in the interest Of all the
people. and we favor the enactment Of laws
looking TO the protection ard replacement
Of privately owned forests.
Valuable Asset in water.
We recognize IN our waters q IitcL Ndl-
liable asset Of the people Of the United
States and we recommend the enactment OF
laws looking to the conservation Of water
resources for irrigation. water supply.
power ana navigation. to the end that nav
ieable and source streams may be brought
under complete control and fully utilized
luon the federal congress the immediate
abortion OF a wise, active and thorough
waterway policy providing for the prompt
Improvement OF our streams and eonserVa-
tjon Of their water sheds required for the
use Of commerce and the protection Of the
interests Of our people.
We recommend the enactment OF laws
looking 10 the prevention Of waste in the
mining and extraction Of coal. OIL, gas ana
other minerals with view TO their wise
conservation and use by the people ana
to the protection Of human life in the
Let us conserve the foundation Of our
prosperity.
Nj. Bryan was then introduced by the
president and began his address.
speech of AIr. Bryan.
Mr.. Bryan acknowledged his obligations
to the president for he opportunity Of par
ticipating in an historic event Of this mag
nitude. The discussion has already, he
said. helped define the proper sphere Of
/ national and state control. He said he
was Jealous Of any encroachment upon the
rights Of the state, but il was entirely con-
sistent with his theory TO believe that It
was just as imperative that the general
governnen should discharge the duties dele
gated to il as il was that the state should
air the powers reserved to them
There is no twilight zone between the
nation and the state" continued Mr.. Bryan,
in which exploiting interests can take ref
uge from both and my observation is that
/ most-no4 ALL but most-of the contentious
| over the line between nation and state are
I treaceable TO predatory corporations. which
! are trying TO shield themselves from de-
served punishment OF endeavoring to pre-
vent needed restraining legislation
/ Mr.. Bryan said we should not only pre-
! serve the nations resources for future gen
/ erations but should see TO Il that these
were not monopoliEed by a few of the peo-
pie and future generations should not be
1 fettered with perpetual franchises. Coal,
| iron and timber on the free list would tend
I 10 reduce the waste and exploitation of ON
Z own measures. Mr.. Bryan said Mr.. Hi
had rendered q real service in pointing out
/ the impairment of the crop value Of ouI
soil, which should lead TO a Etill further
/ enlargement Of the work Of ihe Department
| Of Agriculture and closer cooperation be
| tween II and the states.