Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-09-13
STATE COMMISSION ON
CONSERVATION URGED
N. P. Pratt Talks Interestingly
of the Big Conservation
Gathering at St. Paul

n. p. Pratt Of Atlanta has just re-
turned from the meeting Of the Ma
tional Conservation congress at st.
Paul. where he was present as a dele
gate from Georgia and also as a repre-
sentative OF the Atlanta Chamber Of
Commerce. He gives an interesting &C
count OF the meeting, particularly in
view OF the approaching conservation
meeting in Atlanta. Among the impor-
tant suggestions that he makes is that
Georgia should have a state conserva-
ton commission, created by legislative
enactment.
Mr.. Pratt said:
The Second National Conservation
congress. which met at st. Paul, was
great success. 1t resulted in the
capitalization Of nationwide convic-
tions about our resources into what
might be called the formulation Of an
economic bill Of rights. 1 cannot say
that politics was excluded The OBJ
jects to be gained necessitated consid-
GRAFTON Of natural resources, among
other things. and this resulted in ex-
posture Of the methods by which the
country has been deprived Of coal lands
in Alaska. and Of oil and gas and tim
Der and phosphate lands in the far
west by agents OF big interests in and
out OF congress.
Again IL must be remembered. that
the progressive movement is rampant
in the west and. as the progressives
there. as indeed everywhere, are de-
termined to clean house and among
other things set about the conservation
Of what is left OF the public domain,
a great deal of politics was in evil
dence and IL would not down. The sub
jects discussed were admirably select
ed. however. and were presented by
men OF great influence and usefulness.
One of the best was by President Fin
ley, of the Southern railway, on the
Interest OF the Railways Of the South
in Conservation"
while there were many other practi-
cal addresses of much value. II should
be asked TO criticise, I should say that
the COMBINATIONS of the evils and
wastes complained OF left too little time
for what should have followed, namely:
business meetings of delegates for the
formulation Of specific remedies which
President Taft, In his opening address,
urged should be done. Instead. time only
was given to formulate suggestions
which were passed without discussion
to a resolution committee. At the close
of the congress this committee presented
a report embodying the salient features
Of such resolutions as II approved. which
report was adopted as the platform OF
the congress. II proved, however, most
admirable declaration.
''Tt is hoped that the Georgia move
ment will take definite shape in October
at the time the Southern Conservation
congress meets under the auspices of the
Atlanta Chamber OF Commerce. 1t is i'm
portant that the state should move
! promptly and effective on all conserva-
ton matters Of state concern, and II
lasting good Is to be accomplished. we
| should not be content with a discussion
| and declaration only of principles by
southern conservationalists; but follow
ing the southern meeting here we should
move for a state conservation commits
| sion to be created by legislative enact
ment It's members should be appointed
| by the governor. 1t should be a small
| body Of business and professional men.
II should be charged by law with the
| consideration of all branches Of the sub
| ject of moment to the state and ordered to
| recommend a working plan for the guild
| ance of the general assembly.
THE streams of the state should be
freed from pollution and protected
/ against future contamination. Fish,
| game and oysters need protection and
| culture. for by these means alone can
| they be conserved and made real sources
| Of food supply and revenue. The
| forests should be protected from fire and
| from other damage which is going on to
/ dividuals who are sufferers and who are
| powerless to prevent the damage. The
/ valuable work of the state board of
health, the state entomologist. the state
chemist and the geological survey. all Of
I whom are ably handling important
/ phases Of conservation, should be en-
/ couraged and pushed to the utmost limit
/ Of usefulness.
J An exhaustive investigation OF and re-
4 port upon all the means by which these
! ends can best be insured In Georgia, II
conducted by an able body of disinterest-
/ ed men and. OF course, under legal
guidance. will result I'm good incatculable.
1.-THE Southern Conservation congress is
going 10 be a very important one and
/ Atlanta is going to find herself full OF
men thoroughly interested and devoted
| to the general subject, The Georgia
| delegation met with every encourage
ment at ST. Paul and were congratulated
1 on the movement to ally the south SOLID
/ ~ with the objects Of the national as
ISOLATION"