A PLEA FOR FOREST ADMINISTRATION. 447 



been moved by these considerations, and that spirit has kept it alive 

 in spite of the general indifference of the public, the parsimony of 

 legislatures, and the dwindling of appropriations from inadequacy 

 down to their final total disappearance ; and that spirit will continue 

 to abide in this body, for it knows that it can aid in creating a public 

 sentiment that must be preliminary to any extended or effective forest 

 administration by the state. 



Public sentiment favorable to such work is growing, but too 

 slowly. What is needed is a strong vigorous conviction on the part 

 of our people that the proper administration of forests in this stateis 

 one of the most important subjects that can concern us. That con- 

 viction will in time ripen into a public opinion that will force our 

 authorities to consider this subject in the manner its importance 

 demands, and then a system of state forestry will be inaugurated and 

 prosecuted in a manner that will rejoice the hearts of those then living 

 and cause the posterity that will enjoy the full fruition of the system 

 to rise up and call us blessed. The required public sentiment is 

 growing, but too slowly; and it is our highest duty to stimulate 

 the growth to the utmost of our ability, and to that phase of the 

 forestry subject I will not devote a few minutes. 



Fortunately, conditions are now forcing attention to the subject 

 of forestry administration in this country to a gratifying degree, and 

 that attention is forcing an action that our appeals or devotion could 

 not secure. The American people are not easily moved by anything 

 except their necessities. Reference was made in the paper just read 

 to the effect of public opinion upon the coal strike. Yes, public 

 opinion was brought to bear upon the coal situation, and with splen- 

 did effect, but it was not created by the injustice to the people re- 

 sponsible for the strike but simply because of fear of empty coal bins ; 

 and as soon as we were assured that coal was coming in some way 

 and at some price no further thought was given to the matter. 

 Again, in the same paper a high tribute was paid to the power of 

 public opinion in securing the Itasca park reservation ; and, likewise, 

 the best way we can promote the cause of forestry is by resolving 

 here and now that we will from this time forth do everything we 

 can to create a public opinion that will not only look with favor upon 

 but demand appropriations for forestry promotion that will put 

 us abreast, if not in the lead, of other states in this respect. In other 

 words, let us try to create a public sentiment that will move our 

 neighbors and legislators to think of the forestry question as it de- 

 serves to be thought of. 



Forestry administration is not a work for the individual to do, 

 for he is mortal. The work of forest growing is a long one. Be- 



