ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT CHARLES LATHROP PACK 



At the opening of the Fifth National Conservation Congress, the New Willard 

 Hotel, Washington D. C, November 18, 1913. 



T is with unusual pleasure that I welcome you all, ladies and 

 gentlemen, delegates to the Fifth National Conservation Con- 

 gress. At any time and in any place it would be a privilege 

 to greet a body of men and women of this character, so truly 

 representative of the best spirit and the best endeavor of 

 America, men and women unselfishly devoted to the practical 

 altruism of conservation. 



At this particular time in Washington the pleasure is intensified. This is 

 true for the reason that the cause of conservation is face to -face the coming winter 

 with the most serious fight in its history. Your presence at the seat of the 

 Nation's government will afford the best possible opportunities for gaining counsel 

 from those in authority and for making our own message widely heard by the 

 American people. 



As you all know, this is the first great gathering of conservationists held in 

 Washington since the year of the epoch-making Conference of Governors at the 

 White House in 1908. It was at the White House Conference that the conser- 

 vation movement first assumed concrete, definite and tangible form. To those 

 of us who were privileged to be present, that gathering was an inspiration. To 

 all it was historic. Its counsels were led by the President of the United States, 

 and its deliberations and activities had the benefit of the constructive energy and 

 talents of such men as Gifford Pinchot — (Applause) — the late Dr. W. J. McGee, 

 of splendid memory^ — (Applause) — Mr. Frederick H. Newell, Honorable Walter 

 L. Fisher, not to mention others. 



From the first day of the White House Conference, there has never been a 

 moment's doubt as to the ultimate success of the best conservation ideals. The 

 cause was right. As a further fundamental, it commanded the confidence, the 

 friendship and the enthusiastic support of the American people. It is obvious 

 that a righteous cause with the backing of the public can never fail. There may 

 be difjferences of judgments, there may be moments even of conflict and there 

 may be delays, but there will be no defeat. Truth loses some battles, but no wars. 

 The main battle for sane and constructive conservation has moved steadily on- 

 ward, making definite progress with each succeeding year, until now it is recog- 

 nized as an essential part and parcel of good government. (Applause.) 



The White House Conference was followed by other work for the cause. 

 It was in 1909 that the National Conservation Congress was formally organized 

 at a general gathering of public spirited men in Seattle. This assemblage and its 

 far-reaching consequences were the; general result of the previous meetings here 

 in Washington, and the direct result of the wisdom, foresight and energy of the 



