And State Papers 441 



stead entry. Such a policy would, of course, be 

 of the most far-reaching benefit to the whole range 

 industry. It is the same in dealing with our forest 

 reserves. Almost every industry depends in some 

 more or less vital way upon the preservation of the 

 forests; and while citizens die, the government and 

 the nation do not die, and we are bound in dealing 

 with the forests to exercise the foresight necessary to 

 use them now, but to use them in such a way as will 

 also keep them for those who are to come after us. 

 The first great object of the forest reserves is, 

 of course, the first great object of the whole land 

 policy of the United States, the creation of homes, 

 the favoring of the home-maker. That is why we 

 wish to provide for the home-makers of the present 

 and the future the steady and continuous supply 

 of timber, grass, and above all, of water. That is 

 the object of the forest reserves, and that is why 

 I bespeak your cordial co-operation in their preser- 

 vation. Remember you must realize, what I thor- 

 oughly realize, that however wise a policy may be 

 it can be enforced only if the people of the States 

 believe in it. We can enforce the provisions of the 

 forest reserve law or of any other law only so far 

 as the best sentiment of the community or the State 

 will permit that enforcement. Therefore it lies 

 primarily not with the people at Washington, but 

 with you, yourselves, to see that such policies are 

 supported as will redound to the benefit of the home 

 makers and therefore the sure and steady building 

 up of the State as a whole. 



