AMERICAN FOREST CONGRESS 5 if 



This is something in which, as you will all know, 

 this country is somewhat behind Europe, but I am 

 glad to say nearly all the railroads in the last few years 

 are thinking, and thinking very hard, on the subject, 

 because the problem of how to support their rails is 

 more perplexing each year. 



If the American railroads are to continue to be the 

 efficient commercial tool that they now are ; to continue 

 the very low average rates, and the high scale of wages 

 now in effect, the question of the increased cost of ties 

 and timber is of greater and greater importance to 

 those who pay transportation charges ; to wage-earners, 

 and to railroad owners. 



The fact that so many large interests are so depen- 

 dent upon the wise handling of the forests remaining 

 in the country, will insure a greater cooperation in the 

 future than there has been in the past between those 

 who cut down and use the forests for money-making 

 purposes, and those who are studying the subject in 

 order to safeguard the interests of those who come 

 after us. 



This cooperation is very necessary, and the work of 

 the National Government, the various State Govern- 

 ments, the state agricultural colleges, and the forest 

 schools should, so far as possible, be along the same 

 lines. 



With such operation I have faith that the ingenuity, 

 perseverance and ability of the American man will 

 solve this important question ; and that, in spite of a 

 somewhat lavish use of our forest resources in the 

 past, we shall be able, by a greater care in the future, 

 and by a more extended use of materials, other than 

 wood, preserve for ourselves and for those that come 

 after us, the forests of the country for business, health, 

 and pleasure. 



