Report of the President 339 



migratory birds. Allow me on this occasion formally to report the prompt 

 receipt of the following telegram from Mr. Harding: 



"Thank you for your telegram of October 26. If you care to do so you may use the fol- 

 lowing message and release to the press: 'l am fully in favor of a policy which will guard the 

 integrity of our National Parks and our Bird Reservations. I favor the enforcement of the 

 Treaty with Canada for the protection of valuable migratory birds.' Please accept my greet- 

 ing to your Association." 



It need only be added that Mr. Harding has kept his word, and when the 

 attack on the National Parks was renewed last spring, and we filed protest with 

 the Secretary of the Interior, we received a reply from that gentleman to the 

 effect that we need have no fear as to the result of these bills in Congress, as 

 President Harding had already given this Association his word that he would 

 defend these great natural museums of scenery and out-of-door life. 



Several bills are now before our National law-makers in which the Asso- 

 ciation is greatly interested. One was drawn for the purpose of requiring a 

 license of $1 from all people who desire to hunt migratory game-birds. The 

 funds thus collected are to be used for the payment of additional Federal game- 

 wardens, and for the purchase of areas of territory suitable for breeding or 

 feeding places of migratory birds, particularly Wild Ducks and Geese. 



Many reports have reached us of the destruction of bird-life caused by 

 pouring into the harbors and along the coast crude oil from vessels reaching 

 our shores. We are actively supporting two bills in Congress looking to the 

 abolishment of this evil. 



Despite the provision in the Tariff Act of 19 13, which prohibits the im- 

 portation of feathers of wild birds into the United States, immense quantities 

 of high-priced plumes have entered the country, to be displayed, sold, and 

 worn in all our large centers of population. The plumage one most often sees 

 is that of the Minor Bird-of-Paradise. With a view of amending the law in 

 such a way as to put an end to the sale of these smuggled goods, your President 

 asked for and received permission to appear before the Ways and Means 

 Committee drafting the new Tariff Act. Shortly before the date set for his 

 appearance it was learned that the United States MiUinery Chamber of Com- 

 merce had the same idea in view, and had already prepared a bill looking to 

 this end. After conference in Washington with the representatives of this 

 Chamber of Commerce it was decided by your President and First Vice- 

 President, who were present, to support the measure as it had been drafted by 

 the milliners' attorney. It happened, therefore, that on February 11, 1921, 

 representatives of the Audubon Society and of our ancient enemies, the whole- 

 sale milliners, met in our Capital City in support of a measure which we both 

 hoped to see enacted into law. 



As I sat in the conunittee-room that day, and looked about at the faces of 

 men who on various occasions during the past twelve years we had opposed in 

 legislative committee-rooms in different parts of the country, I could but 



