Evening star., 1947-12-07
Trumon's S Everglades Text

these denclencleS ana we must con-
tinue to do so.
Water Must Be Stored.
In water, we need to prevent fur
ther dropping of the water table,
which in many areas is dangerously
low. Surface water must be stored,
and ground water used in such a
way as to cause the least depletion.
Although the water level is high now
here in the Everglades, there has
oeen damage from lowered fresh
water table, and, during the war,
fires ragged through the glades-fires
fed by dry grass which should have
oeen covered by water.
The battle for conservation can
not be limited to the winning of new
conquests. Like liberty itself, con-
servation must be fought for un-
ceasingly to protect earlier victor
les.
7 Public lands and parks, our for
ests and our mineral reserves, are
subject to many destructive influ-
ences. We have to remain con-
stantly vigilant to prevent raids by
those who would selfishly exploit
our common heritage for their pri-
vate gain. Such raids on our ma
tural resources are not examples OF
enterprise and initiative. They are
attempts to take from all the peo-
pie for the benefit of a few.
Thankful for Opposition.
AS always in the past when the
peoples property has been threat
ened, men and women whose pri-
mary concern has been their coun-
try's welfare have risen to oppose
these selfish attacks We can be
thankful for their efforts, as we can
be grateful for the efforts of citi-
zens, private groups, local govern
ments, and the State Of Florida
which, joined in common purpose,
have made possible the establish
ment of the Everglades National
Park.
The establishment Of this park Is
an object lesson and an example to
the entire Nation that sound con-
servation depends upon the joint
endeavors of the people and their
several governments. Responsibility
is shared by the town, the State and
the Federal Government; by So
cieties and legislatures and all lovers
Of nature.
No man can know every element
that makes a Nation great. Ger
tainly the lofty spirit of its people,
the daily cooperation, the helpful
ness of one citizen to another are
elements. A Nations ability to pro-
vide a good living for its people In
industry, business, and on the farm
is another. The intelligent recogni-
tion by its citizens Of a Nations re-
sponsibility for world order. world
peace, and world recovery is still
another.
The wise use of our natural re-
sources is the foundation Of our ef-
fectiveness in all these efforts.
Cites Lesson of Others.
The problems of peace, like those
Ol WAL, ItQulIc COul dSC dllu ouo-
tanned effort. If we wish this Ma
ton to remain prosperous, If we
wish it still to be "the home of the
free" we can have it so. But, if we
fail to heed the lesson Of other ma
tions which have permitted their
natural resources to be wasted and
destroyed, then we shall reap sorry
harvest.
And for conservation of the hu-
man spirit, we need places such as
Everglades National Park where we
may be more keenly aware Of our
Creators infinitely varied, infinitely
beautiful and infinitely bountiful
handiwork. Here we may draw
strength and peace Of mind from
our surroundings.
Here we can truly understand
what the psalmist meant when he
sang: He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures, He leadeth me be-
side the still waters; He restoreth
my soul"