The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-02-20

man who sees millions of tons of coal taken from
the bosom of the earth with no more being found
to replace it, and witnesses the slaughter of the
stout trees of the forest with foothigh sprouts to-
supplant these silent sentinels of the woods,
must realize that this cannot go forever. 1T
is not Of this day that Mr.. Pinchot talks, but of
years TO come.
Rich beyond the dreams Of avarice, cultured,
widey-traveled. tracing his lineage back to-
some OF Frances noblest families and a care-free
bachelor, Mr. Pinchot has devoted his life and
wonderful intellect to the simple and humble
study of trees and conservation 1t is doubtful
if any man living knows much about the min
eral timber and water-power resources of this
country does Mr. Pinchot. In their defense
he boldly antagonized powerful yet ignorant
administration, and cheerfuly officially beheaded
himself in opposing those who wished to turn
the vast wealth of the Western lands to pri-
vate interests. Although Mr.. Pinchot 10 not
officially identified with the Forestry Division OF
the Agricultural Department, he is still the chief
guardian of the natural resources of this coun-
try. and will be for some time to come
In an able address before the Peoples Forum
of New Rochelle. n. Y. Mr.. Pinchot discussed
conservation of the political and industrial liber
ties of the people of this country. This conser-
walton is of more recent birth than that of our
natural resources and In discussing 1t Mr. Pin
chot treats of popular movement which will
command probably more attention than forest
preservation. because he talks of something all
his hearers and readers are familiar with and
can see to-day.
The ousted Forester declares square deal for
the average is impossible now-although
not as impossible a few months back-because
of the use of money in politics. The indiscrimi
nate and wholesale appropriation of money for
the corruption of occupants of high public Offices
by the great combinations of this country has
reduced or wholly destroyed the political value
of the individual voter i'll this country, accord
ing to Mr.. Pinchot and truer statement
never made. Mr. Pinchot cogenty and tersely
eharacterlzes the playing Of politics in this
country as playing with loaded dce.' with the
public the loser
The last two years have been "the most for.
native since the Civil War;, declares Mr.. Pin
chot, and this statement is based on the fact that
during the past twentyfour months the public
of this country has gotten little finger grip on
the government, and the mood of the people is
indicative that soon the voters will have their
/ entire hands on the levers and throttles
MIR. Pinchot's views those of who
/ has shown that he is welded to particular
party and loyal to no set of men when they do
not stand for the best interests of this country.
/ He sees in continuation of the public activity
notable during the past two years the one means
of wrestling the government of this republic from
/ the hands of few selfish men. few more men
! like Clifford Pinchot to keep alive the sentiment
already awakened in the electorate Of this eoun-
try would soon have the great combinations, now
so omnipotent. in their proper place. which Is not
/ behind the thrones of high public Offices.