Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-14

measure. from whatever source. that
tends to advance conservation and pro-
mote government by men for human well
fare l shall try to help. Every move
ment and measure. from whatever source.
that binders conservation and promotes
government by money for profit l shall
endeavor to oppose. The supreme test OF
movements and measures is the welfare
of the plain people l am as ready TO
support the administration when it moves
toward this paramount end as L am 10
oppose it when it moves away.
Il leave the forest service with pro-
found regret. It's growth. Its stability
and its success are due to the character,
capacity and hard work of remarkably
devoted, able and high minded body of
men. 1 bear eager testimony to the serv-
ice they have rendered this nation. They
are well prepared to carry on the work.
"Out of this work of the forest service
grew the conservation movement, which
has taken remarkable a hold on the
nation. Less than three years ago the
word itself. in it's present meaning. was
substantially unknown, and the move
ment for which it stands had not Deen
born. Today it expresses one OF our
deepest national convictions, and the
principles for which it stands are received
as automatic. 1t is only the execution of
them which remains in doubt
Conference of Governors.
The great conference of governors in
the White House in May. 1908. led to
the appointment of the national con-
servation commission, whose report gave
us new conception of the value OF
our national resources. 1t told us what
is needed for their prompt and orderly
development, and for their safety and
perpetuat.on. Together with President
Roosevelt's message transmitting its re-
m
mission furnished complete statement
of the conservation policy. met our needs
squarely, and prescribed the remedy
They included definite practical recon-
mendations for the protection of forests
against fire, and for equitable forest tax
alton.
THE classification of the public domain
was strongly urged. and principles for
it's use and disposition were laid down.
The necessity for preserving the fertil-
ity of our soils and developing their agri-
cultural value by drainage and other
wise was covered, and particular atten-
ton was drawn to the need OF retaining
our phosphate lands. then in danger OF
absorption by foreign syndicate. The
separation of mineral rights from rights
to the surface of the land was urged.
and the leasing of lands valuable Tor
coal and other mineral fuels under
euuita BILE conditions was recommended.
THE principles which should govern
the development of our waterways for
navigation, power and other uses were
laid down. and the broad plan of the
inland waterways COMMISSION which
first called public opinion to the neces-
sity for limitation in time and proper
compensation to the public i'll grants for
water power, was indorsed In Il word
the report of the commission and the
message taken together. set forth a COM
definite scheme for the con-
servation of our natural resources, and
included the essential details of all the
best that has been proposed since they
appeared. We were ready to move for
ward.
Check to Conservation.
AT this critical period, when the goal
was in sight, enemies of conservation in
Congress not only succeeded in prevent
ing an appropriation with which to pur-
sue the work, but attempted to forbid its
progress by the Tawney amendment to
the last sundry civil bill. Thereupon the
work of the national conservation COM
mission was stopped
1.-The recommendations of the commits
sion still wait for action. All wise men
will agree that the situation Is serious
The Tawney amendment was more than
a mistake-it was "A deliberate betrayal of
the future. The dangers which confront
the conservation movement today must
he met by positive action in Congress.
and will have the same results. Unless
Congress acts the water powers will pass
into the hands of special interests with
out charge and without limit of time So
with the phosphate deposits on public
lands, when the Withdrawals which now
protect them are removed. So with the
enormously valuable coal deposits in
Alaska, which the present law would sell
for SO per acre.
1.-The danger of bad legislation is no
less serious. The special interests must
no longer be allowed to take what they
choose out of the great property of all
the people. Those who steal public lands
steal homes from men and women who
need them. Congress can stop the pill
lage, or Congress can let it go on.
To Conserve Public Welfare.
I'm the absence of proper action. two
great conservation plans for the public
welfare may fail. The first is tlis con-