That is, I must discover how best the natural resources that the
Federal Government still controls can be put into public service and
public service that is the highest and best. I believe that the water,
the land, the mines, ought to be given to the use of the average
citizen. I do not think that a corrupt politician nor a favor-seeking
business man has the best good of the plain citizen at heart."
"That is very interesting from the dreamer's point of view," said
Reeves. "But a government to be successful must be practical. Who's
going to develop the water power in our Idaho streams?"
"The people of Idaho, if they show a desire to make a fair interest on
their investment. The government of the United States, if the people
of Idaho fail to show the proper spirit."
"And who is to be the judge in the matter?" demanded Reeves.
"The Secretary of the Interior will be the judge. And he is not one
whit interested in you and your friends growing wealthy. He is
interested in Bill Jones getting electricity up on that lonely ranch of
his. Never forget, Mr. Reeves, that the ultimate foundations of this
nation rest on the wise distribution of its natural resources. The
average citizen, Mr. Reeves, must have reason to view the future with
hope.
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