The Dolores star., 1924-01-11

in the out-of-doors Nature offers the best anti
dote for the manifold Ills Of modern civza-
ton too complex. especially in big Cities to be
wholly sane and safe.
Most of us turn naturally to the joys Of tho
outdoors and have an instructive interest in wild
onmal life. That man Is less than full stature
VINO has no love for nature and no appreciation
OF her manifold beauties and benefits. In some
thls love and appreciation Is latent, only needing
awakening. To awaken this love and appreciation
IN the American people Is one of the main pur
poses Of the national parks movement. 1t would
convince that nature has her lessons her rest her
healing touch. 1t would teach eyes to and ears
10 near Hitherto too many nature-lovers have
used only their hearts and not their heads Our
national parks records Of the earth in Its max
Ing vast museums of geology. flora and fauna
settlement and civilization of course inevitably
drive out most forms of wild animal life The
time will presumably come when IN American
will have to go to national park to see big game
In Its natural habitat But apparently the Ameri-
can people have at last determined to put off the
evil day as long possible.
Here are three things that show the temper of
the American people on the subject of conserva-
tion of wild life:
The first Is the emphatic protest by several i'm
portant conservation organizations against the es
tabshment of the Louisiana Gulf Coast club with
1000 members, each of whom pays 81 600 for a
share of stock. 1t Is primarily duck-shooting
club to be located on Pecan Island. in the midst
of the winter home of waterfowl, as shown
In the accompanying map.
Mr.. McIlhenny has long been prominent con
servationst. especially in connection with this
regicn. He holds that the club Is really conser-
walton measure and that 1t will prevent the pres
ent indiscriminate illegal slaughter of the water
fowl by turning the tract In question into abso-
lutte sanctuary nine months of the year. The prot
estants call 1t the "Abattoir Club" and assert
that 1t is menace to the nations migratory
birds. T. Gilbert Pearson. president of the Ma
tional Association of Audubon Societies, stepped
into the breach with the announcement of plan
to buy the 1OO.OOO-acre tract which the club
has option and to add it to the adjoining sane
tuaries.
The second thing is that Senator Medill McCor-
mick of Illinois will introduce a bill in this con-
gress providing for the conservation by the fed
eral government of 300 miles of river bottoms
along the Upper Mississippi between Lake Pepin,
Mimi. and Rock Island. III. This region is the
spawning place of innumerabe fish of many va.
rieties Plans have been made to drain the river
bottoms for farm lands. The Izaak Walton league,
which claims 100000 members. sponsors the bill.
supported by the General Federation OF Womens
Clubs and other organizations
The third thing is that the Public Shooting
Grounds Game Refuge bill. passed by the SEN
ate and beaten in the house In the last congress.
Is likely pass this congress. 1t proposes the
tablishment by the federal government of public
shooting grounds and game refugees out of funds
to be provided by 81 license to be paid annually
by shooters. Its promoters hold that under 1t
the nations waterfowl will be Increased In number
and that the poor man. will be given chance
to shoot.
One thing is sure: Conservation of these natural
resources calls for eternal vigilance. Commercial
Industry has ccnscence;' 1t win invade ma
tonal park as unconcernedly 1t pollutes a
stream. The market-hunter and the game hog
are always with and restrained only By
fear of the law. Unfortunately until we are be
come better Americans cannot all be sports
men-the gentlemen Of outdoors.