i9o8 EDITORIAL 353 



uniformity of policy among the busi- Again, the jealousy between state 

 ness and other organizations men- and Nation over the question of re- 

 tioned has been found wise, so har- spective powers that has proved so 

 mony and uniformity among the states serviceable to mighty lawbreakers 

 will doubtless also gradually be found could, by this method, be settled with 

 wise. the minimum of difficulty. The Presi- 

 Though convening to consider a dent declared that, as respects the "ac- 

 specific question, that, namely, of con- ademic side of the question" of state 

 servation of natural resources, it is and National functions, he cared noth- 

 noteworthy that the one conference ing- "I deal," he said, "with the mat- 

 held sees far beyond that single ob- ter from the standpoint of true popu- 

 ject. Governor Swanson, of Virgin- lar interest, and therefore my desire 

 ia, mentioned extradition, standardiz- is to employ indifferently either the 

 ation of laws on marriage and divorce, principle of states' rights, or the prin- 

 taxation and police power as questions ciple of National sovereignty, which- 

 that should be considered at the next ever in a given case will best conserve 

 conference. The remarks of both the needs of the people." With thi& 

 President Roosevelt and Mr. Bryan view the Conference acquiesced, much 

 are likewise suggestive of future pos- to the disgust of at least one newspa- 

 sibilities with respect to corporation per prominently identified with corpor- 

 control. Speaking of the respective ate interests. Obviously, when states 

 fields of state and Nation, the Presi- and Nation cease disputing over which 

 dent said, "I am trying to find out shall or shall not catch the hare, the 

 where one or the other can act, so prospect for catching it will materially 

 that there shall be some sovereign improve. 



power that, on behalf of the people, That such conferences, meeting per- 



can hold every big corporation, every haps annually, in future may develop 



big individual, to an accountability so a legislative "third house" naturally 



that its, or his acts shall be beneficial suggests itself. This first conference 



to the people as a whole." While Mr. did, in fact, urge action by Congress, 



Bryan pointed out felicitously that as is shown by the following resolu- 



there should be "no twilight zone" tion: 



between the domains of state and Na- "We especially urge on the Federal 

 tion in which corporations may hide Congress the immediate adoption of 

 and escape control- a wise, active, and thorough waterway 

 On reflection, it should be evident Policy providing for the prompt im- 

 that if the people of the United States provement of our streams and conserv- 

 have seriously set themselves to work ^tion of their watersheds required for 

 to control, through their various gov- ^he uses of commerce, and the protec- 

 ernments. National and state, their cor- ^'O" o* the interests of our people." 

 porations and trusts, no better scheme Other recommendations, applicable 

 could be devised than a conference to Congress, were also m.ade. 

 representing all these governments and Conceding the point, however, does 

 deliberately formulating a policy, leg- it not afford ground for congratula- 

 islative and administrative, whereby tion rather than for regret ? The gov- 

 this end should be pursued. The fa- ernors are nearer the people certain- 

 miliar process of scudding from state ly than the upper, and probably than 

 to state, and of oscillating between the lower house of Congress. Con- 

 state and federal jurisdictions, where- gressmen are in the National Capitol, 

 by, it is commonly believed, great in- most of them hundreds, many of them 

 terests have played hide-and-seek thousands of miles from their constit- 

 with justice, and snapped their fingers uents. Governors are in their home 

 at Government, might, in this way, be states, in closest touch with public 

 seriously discouraged. sentiment. Furthermore, the govern- 



