Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-27
North American Conference
Declares Its Principles

The report Of the North American con-
ject. says:
The action of the President of the
United States in calling this first confer
ence TO consider the conservation of the
natural resources Of North America was
in the highest degree opportune, and the
proceedings which have followed, and the
Information mutually communicated by
the representatives assembled, have, we
believe, been conductive to the best in
terests of the countries participating. To
derive the greatest possible benefit from
the work which has already been done,
and to provide proper and effective ma
chnery for future work, there should be
established in each country a permanent
conservation commission.
when such conservation commissions
have been established a system of inter-
communication should be inaugurated
whereby at stated intervals all discover
les, inventions, processes. inventories OF
natural resources, information of a new
and specially important character and
seeds. seedlings, new Or improved varie-
ties and other productions which are OF
value in conserving or improving any nat
ural resources shall be transmitted by
each commission to all of the others. to
the end that they may be adopted and
utilized as widely as possible.
World Conservation Congress.
The conferences of delegates. represen-
tatives of the United States, Mexico. Can
ada and Newfo undland having ex-
changed views and considered the infor-
nation supplied from the respective coun-
tries, is convinced of the Importance of
the movement for the conservation of nat
ural resources on the continent of North
America, and believes that it is of such
a nature and Of such general Importance
that It should become worldwide In its
scope, and therefore suggests to the Pres
ident of the United States of America
that all nations shuld be invited to Join
together in conference on the subject
OF world resources and their inventory
conservation and wise utilization
The conference sets forth declaration
OF principles in which it lays down the
proposition that the health and happiness
of the world depend in large degree on
its natural resources. Some resources are
perennial. most are used up. and either
cannot be replaced at all. or else require
a long time for their replenishment
The statement says that 1t should be the
aim of the nations to see that a wise and
conservative use should be made of all
resources. and that especial care should
be taken to prevent corporations from oh
tanning perpetual control of great water
powers or monopolizing any other source
Of public wealth.
Regarding public health, the report SAYS
there is increasing danger to human be-
ings and domestic animals from the con-
slant pollution of lakes and rivers by
sewage and chemical refuse from manu-
featuring plants. 1t advises that steps
be taken to regulate this pollution and
to save the immense amount of fertilizng
material that thus goes to waste
Comment on Forest Preservation.
The conference reiterates the conclusions
of the recent United States conference
regarding forests. 1t says that the prin-
cpal source of waste is through forest
fires. and, after that, through improvident
numbering. 1t recommends the extension
of the fire patrol system and the wider
teaching of practical forestry. so that
there may be trained men available to
make capable forest officers.
1t also recommends modification of
the present tax laws, so as to encourage
the preservation Of standing timber and
the reforesting Of denuded areas.
The report says that water is primary
resource. 1t calls attention to the SUI
periority of water over land transporta-
says that II considers the monopoly OF
water. especially of water powers AS par
ticularly threatening It outlines in gen
eral form the laws that should safeguard
the granting of water power franchises.
Land and Agriculture.
Regarding lands, recommendations are
| made for distributing land to homestead
erS and for increasjp1 4hs uroductiyj,y