The Newark star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1909, 1909-09-27
TWO STATES UNITE
IN DEDICATION OF.
PALISADES PARK
Governors Hughes and Fort
Speakers at Brilliant
Exercises.

ALPINE LANDING, Sept. 2I.-The
Governors of New York and New Jer-
sey, officers of the Hudson Fulton cele-
bration commission and the commits
sion whose work made the event pos
sible participated today in the dedica-
cation of the Palisades Interstate Park,
which stretches for fourteen miles on
the west side of the Hudson river, OPP
posite New York city and Yonkers. The
exercises occurred at the old CORVALLIS
headquarters here About 400 guests
occupied a stand where Lord Corn
wallis stopped in 1776 when he captured
Fort Lee, few miles down the river,
from the continental troops
Edwin A. Stevens. president of the
New Jersey section of the Palisades
Commission, presided George w.
Perkins, president of the New York
Commission, first read the report of
that body.
Governor Hughes accepted the park
on behalf of New York. General Stew
art l.. Woodford, president of the Hud-
SON Fulton Commission, delivered an
address on the park as a permanent
memorial oflthe discovery of the Hud-
son river. Governor Fort then accepted
the park for the State of New Jersey.
A flag raising and a salute by the
American warships anchored in the
river closed the exercises.
The park dedication furnished the
first chance New Jersey has had to
participate in the general celebration.
Governor Hughes said in part:
I'VE are inaugurating celebration
of human effort of daring enterprise
and inventive SKILL of the progress of
civilization in this early settled and
most populous part of the New World.
The discovery is notable because this
river has been the scene of rugged en-
deavors of the pioneer and colonist, of
military exploit and heroic deeds, of
the fruitful labors of industry, because
1t Is the highway Of a commerce which
created a commonwealth and largely
contributed to the development of the
nation. About this river cluster the
memories of our heroes of war and
peace and this beautiful valley is for
ever invested with the charm of the
story of the vicissitudes of early settle
ments, of the struggle by which liberty
was won, and of the marvelously ex-
panding life Of free people. n
TT is fitting that at the outset we
should turn from it's historical associs
tons to the river itself. This celebra-
tion should not only prove a stimulus
to endeavor by It's commemoration OF
distinguished achievements, but 1t
should also quicken our appreciation
of the natural conditions which made
these achievements possible, and direct
our attention to the conservation of this
priceless gift of nature.
I'VE ascend beyond the tidal sweep
to the silent forest where the river
takes It's source There at the head
waters of the Hudson and it's principal
tributaries we learn the necessity OF
forest preservation. If we would pre-
serve the source of industrial power,
If we would secure and maintain proper
regulation of the flow of our streams
and make them agencies of progress
rather than devastating forces. we must
conserve the forests of the country.
1t Is only within a few years that we
have appreciated the Importance of this
policy For long period, content with
the lavishness of nature, we were un-
mindful of reckless waste and greedy
spoilation. The people have not awak-
ened too soon. In the State of New
York during the past few years, large
areas of forest tract have been ac-
quired by the State, and under the
amendment to the Constitution adopt
ed fifteen years ago all lands so ac-
quired are to be kept inviolate. 1t is
to be hoped that these purchases will
largely be extended and our forest
tracts put beyond danger of devasta-
tion. The State, however, should have
sufficient liberty of action to enable II
to prosecute the methods of scientific
forestry so that 1t may intelligently
care for it's property and secure the
returns which are consistent with due
conservation Denuded forest lands
should be reforested.
within a Short distance of the great
metropolis, within easy reach of Its
teeming population, lies this extensive
area of natural beauty, making with its
fascinating story special appeal to
the patriotic American heart. Easily
accessible, it should be place of rem
ovation and inspiration for the toiline
multitudes. Here should be the peo-
pIe's countryside for the common recre-
alton. The Highlands of the Hudson
and these Palisades, the glory not sim
ply of our States but of the entire
country, must be put beyond the reach
of the devastating hand and conserved
for the general good, and on future CEN
tennial anniversaries the measures
taken-to that. end, and for the preser-
walton <of the forest sources Of this
stream and to secure its undiminshed
and unpolluted flow, may well be re-
garded as our most important contribu-
tiop m tho welfare Of the succeeding
generations"