In this case, too, there is a higher and more compelling reason.

The question of the conservation of natural resources, or national resources, does not stop with being a question of profit.

It is a vital question of profit, but what is still more vital, it is a question of national safety and patriotism also.
We have passed the inevitable stage of pioneer pillage of natural resources.

The natural wealth we found upon this continent has made us rich.

We have used it, as we had a right to do, but we have not stopped there.