Chapter 2

THE LAUNCHING OF TWO ROOSEVELT POLICIES

The sane emotionalism of American public opinion--Gifford Pinchot as the Apostle of Conservation--His test of national efficiency--Mr. James J. Hill's notable pronouncements upon the wastage of natural resources--The evolution of the Conservation policy--Historical and present causes of national extravagance--The Conference of Governors and their pronouncement upon Conservation--Mr. Roosevelt's Country Life policy--His estimate of the lasting importance of the Conservation and Country Life ideas--The popularity of the Conservation policy and the lack of interest in the Country Life policy--The Country Life Commission's inquiries and the reality of the problem--The need and opportunity for reconstruction of rural life 17