Arizona republican., 1909-02-15
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
 FOR CONSERVATION
Some of the Matters That Will Likely Be Discussed.

Washington, D. C., Feb. 14.-Keen interest is manifest as to what will be the program of subjects of the North American Conservation confer ence between representatives of Can ada, Mexico and the United States in this city February IS. In his letter to President Diaz of Mexico and Lord Grey of Canada, President Roosevelt outlined as the purpose of the con- ference the consideratio nof mutual interests involved in the conservation of natural resources and the prepa- ration of "a general plan adapted to promote the welfare of the nations concerned" There is a pretty we'll defined feeling, however, that defi- nite topics will have to be discussed. That the Canadians take this view is indicated by the fact that they have sent to the national conservation commission compilations of specific regulations governing the disposal of their natural resources.
 Last summers forest fires on both sides of the line between the United States and Canada are so recent in the minds of both countries that un- doubtedly the possibility of some, CO., operative scheme of fire protection is likely to be touched on. There are other important international ques- tions concerning natural resources which can hardly fail of considera- ton.
 The Canadian and Mexican dele gates to the conference are coming prepared to contribute suggestions as well as to receive them. Their rep resentatives at the international meeting will be prominent specialists on the various phases of the subjects to be discussed. Conservation has not been limited to the United States. Early last year, for instance. every acre of the public timber lands in British Columbia, except what has been leased, was placed in forest re- serves. This action was taken to check waste by bringing the care and cutting of timber resources more ef- fectually under government control. The action affected 150,000,000 acres as much land as was put into na- tional forests of this country up to 1907 In the Yukon all water power rights are granted for only twenty years and at the expiration of that
 
 lie. The water power question is now one of the most important and far reaching before the United States to- day. President Diaz of Mexico has a comprehensive knowledge of for estry and understands fully the bene- fits to be gained by its application. He is also deeply interested in the improvement of agricultural methods and the farmers of the country are rapidly adopting scientific methods Mexico has few large waterways but the nation has provided for the ex- penditure of several million dollars for the improvement of internal navi- gation.
 Recent discussion in the Canadian parliament of President Roosevelt's proposal for cooperation for the con- servatiOn of the natural resources of the whole continent indicates that the support of the conservation move ment in the Dominion will be as thoroughly non-partisan as it is in the United States. R. L. Borden, ] leader of the opposition, was as en- thusiastic in his support as Sir Will frid Laurier. the premier who ex- pressed his deepest approval of the movement