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Sierra Club Bulletin. 



year. It had been originally enacted through the efforts of the 

 American Civic Association which had as a splendid friend in 

 Congress Hon. Theodore E. Burton, of Cleveland, Chairman of 

 the Committee on Rivers and Harbors. When enacted it was 

 thought the term of three years would be a sufficient time for 

 the completion of the long-pending treaty between the United 

 States and Canada, which would include provisions for the control 

 of the waters of Niagara. 



Two months ago the terms of a treaty had been presented to 

 the Senate for approval. It would have safeguarded in but a 

 partial way the beauty of the falls, and to that extent would have 

 afforded temporary satisfaction until specific legislation could 

 be enacted. But during the closing weeks of Congress it became 

 apparent that the treaty might fail of ratification by the Senate. 

 Then arose the emergency, and again the American Civic Asso- 

 ciation, led by its President, J. Horace McFarland, demonstrated 

 its power in securing quick and efficient results. The Rivers 

 and Harbors bill had been reported, with no especial provisions 

 for Niagara. Just one week prior to adjournment, Chairman 

 Burton, who has been the constant friend of the people in the 

 saving of Niagara, presented a House Joint Resolution extending 

 the terms of the Burton Bill for an additional period of two 

 years. Then came action. 



The aid of every member of the American Civic Association 

 was enlisted in the forwarding of telegrams and letters to Con- 

 gressmen asking the passage of the resolution. The House gave 

 almost immediate response in its passage two days after it had 

 been presented. Then the shower of telegrams and letters, all 

 directed from the general headquarters of the American Civic 

 Association, was turned on the Senate, where it was feared the 

 resolution might be lost in the rush of other important legislation 

 that always occurs in the closing days of Congress. But the 

 demand was insistent; the Senators heeded the call, received the 

 resolution and on Tuesday, two days before adjournment, passed 

 it under unanimous suspension of the rules. It was short, sharp 

 work — but effective. Not only have the falls been guarded, but 

 the efficiency of the American Civic Association has again been 

 demonstrated. 



As one of the members said, "If the American Civic Association 

 had never achieved anything more than its grand work for the 

 falls of Niagara, it would more than have justified its existence 

 and maintenance. But it is doing more. Niagara is but an inci- 

 dent. It is making, daily, for "A Better and More Beautiful 

 America" by inspiring in all parts of the United States and 

 Canada positive work for the physical development of cities, 

 towns, and villages. 



