Electricity and the conservation of energy

In any problem, accurate and, so far as practicable, concise statement is essential to proper consideration and correct solution. The economic problems which present themselves when the complex and far-reaching subject, Conservation of Natural Resources, is considered, can be approached best by first stating and defining them with reference solely to physical and economic facts and relations without reference to political boundaries or limitations. To approach the subject by considering, first, real or supposed difficulties imposed by the respective rights and duties of states and of the nation is to discuss method of treatment before diagnosis. We should consider the problem first as if there were no such thing as states within the union, assuming, for the time being, within the federal boundaries the existence of one central and absolute authority. The question what, upon this assumption is economically desirable, is that which the engineering profession should first agree upon and, if possible, state in a manner which will be understood by the general public.