The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-01-29
FORESTERS MEET.
ADDRESSES HEARD
Secretary Wilson and Gift
ford Pinchot Tell of
Years Work.
Members Will Outline Fight
Against Destruction of
Forests.

Secretary Wilson. of the Department
q Agriculture. and Clifford PinchoG
ocveument forester. were the chief
speakers this morning at the first ses-
sion OF. the American Forestry Associa-
ton, which is holding its twenty
seventh annual convention at the New
Willard.
Secretary Wilson is president of tho
association. and reviewed the work the
organization has done during the past
year. Mr. Pinchot traced The progress
Of forest preservation and pointed out
the ultimate effect upon the physical
health of the country unless public
spirit and support IS aroused TO rescue
the forest lands from private ownership
Other Sessions Today.
The meeting was held in the red par
Tor and will be followed by an afternoon
and evening session. Because Of his
duties at the Department Of AgriCul-
ture. Secretary Wilson was unable 20
remain AT the morning session, and Col
William $. Harvey, director Of the Phila-
deiphia Commercial Museum acted as
temporary chairman.
Mr.. PiuchoJs address was brief. but
very much TO the point. He declared
that only very recently Americans had
come to realize the necessity of saving
the forest lands from destruction. He
said that at the present rate of con-
sumption the timber in the United
States could last but a little more than
twenty years. Mr.. Pitchot recalled the
fact that at the discovery of America
the country presented 100000 square
miles or tle richest land In the world
and traced its Development and destruc-
ton Of ltS forests down 10 the present
time.
President Helps Society.
President Roosevelt believes the ques-
ton Of retaining the forests and pro-
tecting the natural resources of the
country is one Of the greatest and most
important questions which now confront
the American people" said Mr.. Pin
chct. 1T Is through his wonderful fore
sight aid interest IN the future OF the
country that the work of this asSOcia-
ton has been So fruitful"
Mr.. PlnchoL said the forest policy of
the Government is the longest look
ahead that this country has ever taken
and urged members of the association
10 redOuble their efforts toward es-
tablisnins national forests throughout
the lind.
Directors Report.
TIL report Of the board of directors
vas read by Thomas r. VIII. secre-
tary OF the board, and included re-
ports from various States relative to
legislation in the interest OF forestry.
It was said that in Hawaii there are
100000 acres of Government forest lands.
The report further covered forestry in
stTuCtiOu in various COUeEc5 of the
country. Yale being among the most i'm
pCrtant educational institutions which
has added this course to its curriculum.
Many State universities and schools
were included in the list. The treas
urer's report was also read, and VII
liam J.. Hall, who made the survey for
the proposed forests by direction of the
Department of Agriculture, made q few
brief remarks.
Senator Galliaser spoke this after
noon Jn Forestry as j. National and as
a. State Problem" and Gov Holle
Smith. of Georgia, delivered an address
ou The Interest OF the South in the
Np1alaChiau National Forests
Other speakers were Prof. George F.
Swain of the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology. Mark Packard, of Buf-
faI0. and j. Horace Mcfarland, pTesi-
dent OF the American Civic Association.
The convention will close tonight.