Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-05-10
Woman's National Rivers and hiar.
bors Congress.

The Woman's National Rivers and
Harbors Congress was organized June
goth, 1908, for the purpose of increasing
the interest in the development and I'm
provement of the waterways and forests.
The platform of the Congress was
founded upon the conservation OF all the
Natural Resources, because 1t was be-
lieved that in the conservation OF all
would be achieved the fullest develop
ment of each, also in that consideration
We have subject which rises above
such deliberations, as sex and politics,
embracing as 1t does the moral law,
which recognizes every man, every
woman, every child, even Nature herself.
Through training in household eco
nomics, women recommend the work, In
that 1t stands for the home, whatever
reaches that spot touches responsive
chord in Woman's heart.
That the subject Of water 10 Its various
agencies, Is a vital question goes without
saying, hence women should interest
themselves in it's solution. Pure water
we must have for household consump-
ton, and good water In the arts is q
growing need; each has become so ap-
parent as not only to attract but demand
immediate notice.
In our educational and public work we
have not failed to call attention to the
conservation of forests surrounding the
head waters and bordering the banks of
all streams, as an imperative means
toward conservation OF our water supply.
We have urged also the study OF the
disposal of sewage by scientific methods,
which will render 1t innocuous.
The needs of each section Of the coun-
try have been studied, while literature
pertaining to the subject has been dis
tributed extensively In many states.
Thus in the achievement Of conserva-
ton, sanitation and Identification, we
will pass on to posterity the fair land
won by the blood of our forefathers in
all the glory of its wealth and beauty.
Maine has large and vital interest in
this movement.
Names water power and forests con-
stitute the larger part Of her wealth, and
form the basis of her industrial life.
Maine has great undeveloped water
power estimated in value at something
like S25, 200, 900 or l,OOO, 900 horse power,
which is now going to waste every day.
This should be conserved and stored
for the benefit Of the people for all time.
In the past we have considered our
interior waterways chiefly from a utili-
tartan standpoint, but the time Is not
distant when We shall realize that In the
State of Maine we have beautiful lakes
with settings beyond description, and
picturesque coast as we'll as inland
scenery.
Maine has harbors which are valuable
and landlocked, yet open to receive the
commerce of the world, while her inland
waterways and seacoast, as we'll as the
nearby forests, have gained reputation
far and wide as paradise for the sports
man.
Names agricultural crops and manu-
factured goods have an established value
in both home and foreign markets. Her
unoccupied farms are waiting for men OF
brain aud Drawn who will till them.
Names transportation facilities i'm
prove each year, her railroads are reach
ing out into new territory, opening up
undeveloped lands, thus adding to our
resources.
The further improvement of our water
ways would not only aid navigation,
strengthen commerce and increase manu-
featuring interest, but would attract
many more people to our State upon
pleasure bent.
The "Pine Tree State' is the acknowl.
edged playground of the Nation, and In
order to retain the prestige which Is
ours, we must not fail to conserve and
develop our Natural Resources.
To aid in this work.
First: Let us extend our interest In
waterways by joining the National
Organization.
Second: Create interest through clubs,
schools and local papers.
Third: In our influence for the election
of such men to Office as stand for water
way development and conservation OF
Natural Resources. Signed,
MRS. JOSEPH NJ. STRoUT,
State Vice President.
MRS. CONSTANT SoUTHwoRTH,
Chairman of Education.
MRS. j. A. THOMPSON,
Chairman of Publicity.
Dues for individuals, S1.00 per annum.
Organizations and corporations up to
500 members, $500.
Over 500 members, $500.