The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-12-03
Problem of Conservation.

policy which must be worked out by
well-considered stages. not upon theory.
but upon lines 81 practical expediency.
Problem of Conservation.
1t is part OF our general problem Of
conservation. We have a freer hand iI
working out the problem in Alaska than
In the States Of the Union; and yet the
principle and object are the same, wher-
ever We touch II. We must use the re-
sources OF the country, not lock them up.
There need he no conflict or jealousy as
between State and Federal authorities,
Tor there can be no essential difference
OF purpose between them. The resources
In question must be used. but not de-
stroyed or wasted; used. but not monopo-
lized upon any narrow idea OF Individual
rights as against the abiding interests of
COMMUNITIES.
That policy can be worked out by
conference and concession which will re-
lease these resources and yet not leopard
or dissipate them, / for one have no
doubt; and Il can be done on lines OF
regulation which need be no less ac-
ceptable to the people and government OF
the nation at large. whose heritage these
resources are We must bend our-coun-
sells to this end. A common purpose
ought to make agreement easy.
Three or four matters Of special i'm
VIII permit me TO mention In closing.
For Better Service.
Our Bureau of Mines ought to be
equipped and empowered to render even
rlore effectual service than Il renders
Tow in improving the conditions OF mine
labor and making the mines NOR, eco
nomically productive as well as more
safe. This Is an aII-important part Of the
UNI 0f aENFaf f1,. a..
ton of human life and energy lies even
nearer to our interest than the preserva-
ton from waste OF our material re-
sources.
We owe it, in mere justice to the rail-
way employees Of the country, TO provide
for them fair and effective employers
liability act; and law that we can stand
by in this matter will be no less to the
advantage Of those who administer the
railroads OF the country than 10 the ad-
vantage OF those whom they employ. The
experience of a large number OF the
states abundantly proves that.
We ought 20 devote ourselves to meet
ing pressing demands of plain justice like
this as earnestly as to the accomplish
ment OF political and economic reforms.
Social justice comes first Law is the
machinery for its realization and is vital
only as 1t expresses and embodies it.
FOR SAFETY Mt Sea.
An international congress for the dis
cussion OF all questions that affect safety
at sea is now sitting in London at the
suggestion OF our own government. SO
soon as the conclusions Of that congress
can be learned and considered we ought
TO address ourselves. among other things
to the prompt alienation of the very I'M
safe, unjust. and burdensome conditions
which now surround the employment of
sailors and render II extremely difficult
to obtain the services Of spirited and |
men such as every ship needs |
IL it is to be safely handled and brought |
TO port.
May l not express the very real pleas |
ure / have experienced in cooperating
with this Congress and sharing with il |
the labors of common service to which |
it has devoted itself SO unreservedly dur
ing the past seven months of uncom- |
planning concentration upon the business !
Of legislation? Surely II is a proper and |
pertinent part Of my report on the state |
OF the Union" TO express my admiration |
for the diligence, the good temper, and the |
full comprehension OF public duty which |
has already been manifested by both the |
Houses; and hope that IL may not be |
deemed an impertinent intrusion of my
self into the picture il l say with how |
much and how constant satisfaction 1 |
have awaited myself Of the privilege Of I
putting my time and energy at their dis |
posal alike in counsel and in action.