EDITORIALS 



363 



her land taxation is that most states 

 make no distinction between the dif- 

 ferent classes of property, their value 

 to the community, and the effect of 

 taxes upon them. The timber owner 



tive and based on well matured judg- 

 ment. 



Forestry and conservation seem to 

 make a special appeal to the women, and 

 their clubs are laying increased empha- 



cannot be a timber grower under pres- sis upon this work. This is a fine thing 

 ent conditions." He announced the con- for the movement. It means that this 

 elusion of the board of governors and question will get into the homes of 

 the conservation committee that so far America and be brought to the children 

 they found the best plan to be to levy by the strongest influence they know, 

 the tax only when the timber was cut, It is, we believe, especially necessary 

 when a full tax would be levied, but it in these fields that clear thinking should 

 would be so definite that it could be be secured through sufficient knowl- 

 figured in estimates of cost. They be- edge. Much harm has been done in the 

 lieve that so long as the owner keeps course of the forestry movement, and 

 land in growing timber there is no rea- the same is true of all branches of con- 

 son why he should be taxed. This, by servation, by immature thought arising 

 the way, is the plan that is advocated from insufficient knowledge. To know 

 by Professor Fairchild of Yale, who whereof we speak must be our con- 

 has studied this problem more thor- stant care. Now, if we may venture 

 oughly, perhaps, than any other econo- suggestion, the women's clubs some- 

 mist or forester in this country. times undertake too much and gain only 

 All through the meeting ran this that little knowledge which is a dan- 

 awakening interest in practical, work- gerous thing, on subjects they take up. 

 ing forestry, the kind that every sincere This produces mental dissipation in the 

 conservationist, whether theorist or not, individual which is unfortunate, but . 

 wishes to see. It appeared in nearly when it is applied to the advancement 

 all the reports and many suggestions of a great public cause resting on a 

 were made looking to effective action, scientific foundation, it really becomes 

 Unquestionably, our foresters and lum- serious. 



bermen are getting together and some- Therefore, we say to the clubwomen 



thing is sure to be accomplished when of America, your support is the most 



forestry secures such support as that welcome that could come to our work, 



which a powerful organization like the but in order that you may accomplish 



National Lumber Manufacturers' Asso- what you yourselves desire, be earnest. 



ciation can ive it. 



The Women's Clubs and the Forests 



THE support of the women of Amer- 

 ica is a powerful aid to any cause. 

 This is such a truism that it seems un- 

 necessary to have uttered it, but it sug- 

 gests some thoughts concerning the 

 connection of the federated women's 

 clubs of the United States with the for- 

 estry and conservation movements. 

 These clubs have shown a splendid pub- 

 lic spirit in taking up many of the 

 great movements for national better- 

 ment. But there is much danger that 

 this inclusiveness of interests will be 

 attended with some vagueness of 

 thought and action. We beg the women 

 to guard against this, and to keep their 

 thought on every subject they take up 



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sincere, and thorough in every under- 

 taking, and study these forest and con- 

 servation questions so that yon can give 

 sound reasons for the faith that is in 

 you. 



The great biennial meeting at Cin- 

 cinnati showed clearly not only that the 

 clubwomen are taking. up forestry and 

 conservation with the greatest en- 

 thusiasm, but that under wise leader- 

 ship they are more and more develop- 

 ing thorough methods of action. Mrs. 

 Gerard and Mrs. Brooks in the national 

 committee, Mrs. Tucker in Massachu- 

 setts, Mrs. Mautncr in Michigan. Mrs. 

 Maurv in Kentucky, Mrs. A very in 

 Louisiana, and many others who might 

 be named, have given excellent exam- 

 ples of the right spirit and method, and 

 through the influence of these women 

 :md others like them, we hope to see 

 this work in the Federation brought to 



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