50 The Dawn of a New Constructive Era 



that when the time for writing this history comes, the lumber 

 folks will find their credit side of the ledger to be well filled. 



They will develop these cut-over lands; they will assist in 

 the tilling of the soil ; they will develop and build up great com- 

 munities where their forests once stood ; they will encourage and 

 make possible scientific farming; they will send their children 

 to agricultural schools, where they will learn the great lessons 

 of proper use of the soil; they will lay a great foundation for 

 their children and their children's children, to assist them in 

 carrying on the work of making this Southland the Great Gar- 

 den Spot of America. 



The Railroads' Part in the 

 South's Development 



By J. C. Clair 



Industrial Commissioner of the Illinois Central 



Railroad 



Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : — I was invited to attend this 

 Conference, but was not told I would be called upon to make any 

 remarks. It was a pleasure, however, to come down here to 

 meet with you, and in looking over your work and appreciating 

 Farnxs and it from all angles I only regret that real transportation men are 

 Railroads In- jjq^ ^j^ ^^e program. If there is any time in the history of this 

 country when the two greatest and foremost industries of the 

 world are to be appreciated and should be appreciated, it is at 

 this time^agriculture and transportation — they go hand in hand, 

 one with the other. 



It certainly was inspiring to listen to that gentleman, the 

 Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, this afternoon; as well as 

 to the other men who followed and preceded him. I deem this 

 one of the most important conventions upon one of the most 

 important subjects that has come before the Southern people — 

 in fact, the nation as a whole — and I am glad to be here this 

 afternoon and speak for four or five minutes. 



We should enter into this matter in the spirit of real co- 

 operation, as partners, and we can learn much, from each other. 



