SECOND BIENNIAL STATEMENT 169 



America are now quite ready to enter upon their share of 

 the universal conservation task. 



With wonderful celerity and precision, a great and po- 

 tentially powerful organization took tangible form, and 

 stepped into the arena as if by the waving of a magic wand. 

 It reminded one of the birth of Minerva, who stepped in full 

 stature and armed from head to foot, from the brain of 

 Jupiter. 



An admirable corps of officers was elected, and 10 presi- 

 dents of universities and colleges, representing 9 widely- 

 separated states, accepted positions as honorary vice- 

 presidents. 



From the prospectus of the Society, we must quote two 

 features : 



THE CALL OF DUTY 



The National Educators Conservation Society is a new force 

 in the field of conservation of natural resources. It is an initial 

 attempt to capitalize the thoughts, feelings, and aspirations of 

 American educators along lines not pedagogical, but educational in 

 the best sense. It is an attempt to teach our fellow countrymen, 

 that if America is to remain first among the nations, a place on 

 God's green earth where toil receives its highest reward, an effect- 

 ive defense must be built up against those forces which are seeking 

 to destroy the material foundations of society. 



America must be taught that, as a free people, our happiness, 

 prosperity, and efficiency must have an economic, as well as an 

 institutional foundation; that this foundation is composed of our 

 natural resources; and that, if this foundation be destroyed, the 

 one erected by man will surely fall. 



This organization seeks to defend a very valuable part of our 

 natural foundation, — our wild life and our forests. Speed is a 

 factor, if this part of our foundation is to be saved. The next five 

 years will tell the story, so far as wild life is concerned. 



It recognizes that the conservation call is universal; that the 

 burden cannot be shifted upon other shoulders. The program is 

 large. Its epic character calls for collective effort. The profes- 

 sional educator must now play his part. He has an important role. 

 The success or failure of his performance, according to the present 

 dramatic setting, depends upon his conception and interpretation 

 of his lines. This Society has been formed that he may have vision 

 and understanding, as well as courage and conviction. May its 

 high purpose meet with full realization. 



