Historic and Prehistoric Ruins of the Southwest and Their Preservation

The importance of the large number of historic and prehistoric ruins scattered over the semiarid region of the southwestern part of the United States has gradually come to be recognized. Every cliff dwelling, every prehistoric tower, communal house, shrine and burial mound is an object which can contribute something to the advancement of knowledge, and hence is worthy of preservation. Knowledge of the extent, location and nature of these ruins bas been accumulating for many years. We now know them to be very numerous and of great value.
The question of the preservation of this vast treasury of information relative to our prehistoric tribes has come to be a matter of much concern to the American people. Fortunately there seems to be no barrier to the speedy accomplishment of this. By the prompt exercise of the authority lodged in various branches of the Interior Department, the preservation of the ruins is assured. I shall endeavor to show that there is urgent need for the immediate exercise of this authority. This done, the work of legislation to the end that these regions may be made a perpetual source of education and enjoyment for the American people as well as for travelers from foreign lands may proceed with the careful deliberation which the subject demand.