Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1908-06-09
UTAH RECOGNIZED.


The President, MS viii be seen in the
dispatches, has appointed Senator Reed
Smoot chairman OF the Committee on
Forests, as well as member of the
Executive committee. OF the Nationa
Commission for the preservation OF
our national resources This is a
well deserved recognition Of the ability
of Utah's senior Senator. and of the
services he has already rendered the
country IN his exalted office. 1t is a
distinction OF which Utah cannot but
feel proud. Governor Cutler was one Of
the members of the committee on re-
solutions, suggesting the formation of
national and state commissions and
materially aided IN the adoption of this
wise measure. Utah is recognized in
the councils of the nation as never be-
fore In the history of the state.
II Is question whether the import
ance of the results of the conference
of governors held a short time ago In
the White House, Washington. under
the auspices Of President Roosevelt, Is
generally appreciated Those results
b
adopted at the closing session. These
resolutions We're the work of the Gov
ernors of Utah. Louisiana, New Jersey,
South Carolina, and Wisconsin, and
they are broad in scope. They propose
the holding OF further national confer
ences to further consider the subjec
of the preservation of our natural re-
sources; legislation looking to the pro
lection OF forests from destruction, tho
prevention OF waste in mining, the pro-
lection OF water resources for irriga-
ton. water supply, water power and
navigation; thoy recommend tho crea-
ton OF commissions. State and Nation
al, on the Conservation of Natural Re-
sources.
The last Recommendation Is, perhaps,
the most important OF ALL The wide
dissemination of knowledge on the sub
Ject II highly needed. In some coun-
tries the knowledge possessed by ex-
perts can very often be put into prac-
tico by means of q. royal or imperial de-
cree. but here. where the people rule.
tho people must be enlightened on the
measures needed for the advancement
of the public interests II state and
national commissions are created. in
accordance with the recommendations
OF the governors the data needed for a
true appreciation OF the country's stock
In land, forests, water, minerals, etc,
would be gathered, and Legislation
would be formed accordingly.
The question of the preservation OF
the forests Is one OF great Importance.
Some years ago the National Forestry
Some years ago the National Forestry
Association pointed out that one cause
OF the decline OF nations is the destruc-
ton OF forests. There are other causes
but that is one. Before the forests OF
lebanon were destroyed. Palestine sup
ported millions OF inhabitants on an
area that now scarcely sustalns halt
n million. Syria, once maintained n
multitude of prosperous towns and
citles-Antioeh alone having at one
time n population estimated at hall
milllon--hut Is now anything but q
prosperous country.
"rhe destruction OF Syria's forests, .
says the Bulletin. begun 1850. II. g.,
followed by the disappearance OF her
soil and the decay of hor industries
would alone have produced this oftoot
Babylon once capital Of the world. Is u
heap Nlneyeh and Carthage once tho
seats Of mighty civilizations. ana
nbundnntly equipped by generous ma
ture for permanent life, are desolatS
wastes. Man destroyed the forests. and
lands which once flowed with milk and
honey We're transformed into deserts
When such results OF the destruction
OF natural resources are considered, ia,
Importance Of the action taken by III,
congress OF governors. on the recon-
mendntion OF the committee on resolu-
lions, OF which the Governor " Utal
was an Influential momber Win be un,
derstcod. The preservation or a ma,
tons natural resources Is a question o.
national life. or death The appoint
ment OF Senator smoot as chairman ol
that committee is the best that ooul,
be made.
NATIONAL CONVENTIONS.