Conservation of Natural Resources in California. 53 



destined to turn the wheels of industry, transport people and products, 

 light and warm the homes of the whole State. It will be an absolute 

 necessity to life and prosperity when oil and coal are gone. Those who 

 control it will be the lords and rulers of mankind. 



Up to date our stupid laws give away this precious power forever to 

 any one who wants it, and give him all that he wants, however much 

 for nothing! Thus we part with our great-grandchildren's birthright, 

 and do not even get a mess of pottage in return. The descendants of 



Power plant where the falling waters of Feather River give up electric current for 

 the distant cities by the bay. Owners of power sites will be the lords and rulers of 

 the future. 



us who foolishly part with this power now will pay tribute for cen- 

 turies to the descendants of the men who get it. These Power Lords 

 will rule over the lives and fortunes of the millions of vassals who must 

 have the Power in order to live. 



This Power should be leased, never permanently disposed of. Its 

 title is not rightly vested in us at all. It belongs to the Future. It 

 should never be granted to any one in perpetuity, but for a term of 

 years, a century, if need be; but in perpetuity, never. [E. H.] 



