The Washington herald., 1909-02-19

Foreign and United States commissioners
to the North American conservation con
ference, now in session in this city, were
the guests OF honor at the Army and
Navy reception at the White House last
night. Later they were guests at a sup
per given by President Roosevelt
The commission, called by President
Roosevelt, met yesterday morning in the
East Room Of the White House. where
they were received by the Chief Execu-
tive and members Of the Cabinet. The
commissioners and delegates later met in
the diplomatic room OF the State Depart
ment. where addresses were made by
Clifford Pinehot. United States Forester
and others.
At a business session in the afternoon
Mr. Piachot was elected chairman Of the
conference Little business was trans
acted yesterday. and the bulk OF the
matter under consideration wiz come up
to-day and tomorrow.
Leaders in Attendance.
Representatives OF the United States.
Canada. and Mexico. in addition 10 many
leaders in the conservation movement in
this country, are in attendance at the
conference. which is called with a view
10 conserving the natural resources Of
/ North America
TIE commissioners from Canada and
Mexico we're presented 10 the President
by Secretary Of State Bacon. Mr. Roose-
welt extended them a hearty welcome on
/ - t-h.rr - .r- s--e-sos, -.1o-1a and
said nothing augured better for the in
terests Of the continent than the pres
ent conference
The President declared the conference
10 be one Of the most important steps Of
recent years looking to the harmonious
/ cooperation between the nations OF the
earth for common advancement He said
that il has come TO be recognized that
it Is normally 10 the interest OF each na-
ton 10 see the others elevated
study Trade Returns.
IN commercial relations the trade Of
one nation is greatest, not with the poor
and backward nation. but with the rich
and progressive nation, said the Presi-
dent study the trade returns. and see
where. on the average the best customers
% any nation are found; they are from
the prosperous nations When one nation
strides forward along the path OF Civiiiza-
ton. as a rule. that progress means the
uplifting OF nations generally. an
speaking subject, as one always must, TO
certain exceptions.
Continuing. the President said. IN part
The movement that you gentlemen are
beginning. Of national cooperation for
the conservation Of national and inter
national resources. marks another stage n
the advance along these lines Each na-
tion viii be left absolutely free, OF course,
to exercise its own wisdom IN dealing
with the things that concern itself. but
IL viii be given the chance 10 profit by
the wisdom OF other nations, and I know
OF no nation or no Individual that cannot
profit By the wisdom OF others.
In addition, the opportunity VIII be
given 10 ali OF Us 10 Join together IN
doing the work that can best be done
in union. by all or some Of US. as
compared with doing It each one Separ-
ately With nations whose boundaries
march along a great extent Of land from
tier as with Canada. the United States
and Mexico. there are necessarily large
tracts OF land in which the welfare OF
the public depends upon the action not
only OF that country, bat Of the neigh
boring country.