The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1920-09-30

wide organization with a membership of 100000
Is carried on through a dozen more depart
ments One of the most important of these IS
me department of conservation, which promotes
the use without abuse OF the natural resources
OF the United States
AT the biennial convention of the General Fed
Grafton this summer in Des MOnes Iowa, one day
was largely devoted TO conservation. In the morn
ing, in the convention, Mrs John Dickinson Sher-
man, chairman OF the conservation department.
made her report and spoke THE Conservation
outlook" She called attention to the fact that
the natural scenery division of work. added by her
to the department six years ago. was then
sldered as Of little importance, natural scenery
not being ranked as natural resource Of value;
now natural scenery was recognized as a great
national asset and the natural scenery division
was the most popular In the department. George
ii. Maxwell executive director of the National
Reclamation association. delivered an address
"Our Conservation Problem"
Next a Natural Scenery Luncheon" in
honor of Director Stephen T. Mather of the Ma
tiOnaI Park service of the department of interior
in charge OF Mrs Charles H. McNider, chairman
of the natural scenery division attended by more
than $50 delegates. Mrs. Sherman presided She
said, in brief, that any constructive work that
advances the use, development and preservation
of our natural resources must necessarily be based
accurate information and careful study of con-
ditions. practical, comprehensive study Of nat
ural science and nature would lay foundation
for understanding and appreciation of our
natural resources. The children of today should
be given the opportunity to gain a first-hand in
innate and scientific knowledge of the earth her
products, OF natures bounty and natures ways
Director Mather outlined the activities of tbe
national park service; asked the federated club
women urge upon members of congress the
necessity of larger national park approprfa tons
He laid special emphasis upon the educational
mission of the national parks. He would promote
by every possible means the Interpretation of the
natural sciences which illustrated by the scenic
features flora and fauna of the national marks
encourage the popular study Of their history ex-
plOration tradition and folklore and improve
every opportunity for the protection and propaga-
ton of bird and wild animal life
Dr. L. H PammeI of Iowa State college chair
man of the Iowa state conservation board smoke
In behalf of the Mississippi Valley Natfona! mark
project. He set forth the many and varied attrac-
tons of the region He emphasized the fact that
100000 people lived within a radius of 500 miles
and that So per cent of the people can not travel
to the national parks of the scenic West for vscs
tons. The Northern Mississippi Valley congress
was of the unanimous opinion that series of ma
tionaI parks should be established in the Missis-
sppi valley He appealed to Director Matber TO
give the Mississippi Valley National park project
impartial consideration.
In the afternoon the conservation conference
was held in the auditorium The program in
the forest service. and Russell T. Edwards of the
American Forestry association.
An Interesting and important feature was MAT
ural Scenery-Iowa's Program" by Mrs McNjder
and Mrs. Francis E. Whitley, past president NJ
the Iowa Federation of Women's Clubs Iowa is
ton of natural beauty spots. Its people have sur
veyed the state and have recommended more than
fifty scenic areas for state and county parks
Dr. B. Schimek of the University of Iowa made
an eloquent address on Moral and SpiritusI As
poets OF Conservation" This is a large subject