Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-18

Thirty governors of as many states and
territories gathered in conference this
morning at the New Willard Hotel to dis
cuss methods of bringing about more
uniformity of the laws in the various
states, question that has aroused the
interest of the entire country. The gov
ernors have come here of their own initi-
ative, and their object is to bring about
legislation in their own states which will
be of benefit to their people and to the
whole people of the country. They have
come, TOO. to add their voices to the de-
mand that Capitalization of power In
washington must not be allowed to in
crease
President Taft received the governors
at the White House this afternoon at 3
which he spoke Of the valuable service
which they, as a conference of governors,
could render the country in bringing
about more uniformity of laws in the
states. There were many great ques-
tions of the day, he said. which the
states themselves must act upon and
upon which the federal government, un-
der the Constitution, could not act. He
welcomed the governors most cordiany
10 Washington.
Gov. Wilson Calls to Order.
Gov. Wilson of kentucky called the
meeting to order this morning at II
o'clock. In a short speech he explained
the reason for calling the meeting OF
governors and the purposes which the
meeting has in view.
'1This meeting of governors has nc
legal authority" said Gov. Wilson .'I,
is not to form a house of governors
The very title seems to me to smack
TOO much of the house of lords Tn,
conference has been devised only in
the interests of the people of this
country. The first meeting of the gov
ernors in Washington, called together
by President Roosevelt in May. 1908, to
discuss the great question Of conserva-
ton, was not only of great benefit, but
also a most enjoyable affair"
Gov Wilson explained that out of
this meeting in 1908 grew a plan for
future meetings of the governors
which should not come at the invita-
lion of the President of the United
states. but upon the wish and call OF
the governors themselves. Gov. Will
~nn said that, temporary chair
man of the meeting in 1908, to dis
him TO issue the call for the present
meeting
Program Is Flexible.
We have arranged program, but il
must be understood that any governor
may speak on any subject he desires IRE
spective OF this program said Gov. VIII
son. This is an independent body. Tn.
men here have no power except the meri
OF the thoughts they bring to the meet
ing 1t is true, however, that they repre-
sent the spirit of their people and tha
lends weight to their ideas.
The meeting was organized with Gov
Wilson temporary chairman and Gov
Sloan of Arizona as secretary. A com
lnittee on organization for the conferenc,
was appointed by Gov. Wilson. consist
ing of Gov. Fort of New Jersey, Gov
.kitchin of North Carolina, Gov. Norris O
Montana. Gov. Draper of Massachusetts,
Gov. Weeks OF Connecticut. A com
inittee plan and scope Of the conferenc,
was appointed, consisting of Gov Hughe.
OF New York. Gov. Hadley of Missouri
Gov. Conner of Alabama, Gov. Ansel O
south Carolina and Gov. Harmon o.
Ohio.
Report of Committee.
Gov. Fort made a report for the com
mittee on program and said that il hat
been decided to confinc the speakers a
the conference 10 the governors them
selves, except a delegation from the Ma
fional Civic Federation, which is now 1,
session In Washington. The conference
agreed to this and Gov. Hadley brough
out the fact that there to be full
discussion of the addresses made by tn
governors after they had been delivered
Social Courtesies.
Last night the governors were en-
tertained at a reception given by Miss
Mabel Boardman. A luncheon wa.
given in their honor at the Metropoli
tan Club today and this evening the,
will be the guests at dinner OF Joh,
Hays Hammond and later will attent
the reception to the judiciary at tn,
White House. Tomorrow night Presi
dent Taft will. give dinner for tn,
state executives and their wives a
the White House.
Program of Future Sessions.
Conservation of resources will b.
the principal topic at tomorrow's ses
sions of the governors. and papers o,
various phases of the subject will b.
read by Gov. Austin l.. Crothers o
Maryland. Gov. Henry b. Quinby o
New Hampshire. Gov. Bryant b. Brook
of Wyoming. Gov. John r. Shafroth o
Colorado. and possibly others. Gov
John F. Fort of New Jersey will dis