We have gained
out of the vast destruction of our natural resources a degree of vigor
and power and efficiency of which every man of us ought to be proud.
Now that is done. We have accomplished these big things. What is the
next step? Shall we go on in the same lines to the certain destruction
of the prosperity which we have created, or shall we take the obvious
lesson of all human history, turn our backs on the uncivilized point of
view, and adopt toward our natural resources the average prudence and
average foresight and average care that we long ago adopted as a rule of
our daily life?
The conservation movement is calling the attention of the American
people to the fact that they are trustees. The fact seems to me so
plain as to require only a statement of it, to carry conviction. Can we
reasonably fail to recognize the obligation which rests upon us in this
matter? And, if we do fail to recognize it, can we reasonably expect
even a fairly good reputation at the hands of our descendants?
Business prudence and business common-sense indicate as strongly as
anything can the absolute necessity of a change in point of view on the
part of the people of the United States regarding their natural
resources.
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