12 JOURNAI. OF FORESTRY 



of the things that need to be done and that the program as a whole 

 must- go farther. 



Now all such measures require the backing of public opinion to be 

 put in force. To develop such a sentiment is of course one of the 

 objects of the present nation-wide discussions of this forestry pro- 

 gram. But is there not danger that the whole program may be slowed 

 up, if indeed not brought near shipwreck, if these discussions center 

 wholly on methods and details, and particularly on those having to do 

 with regulatory and mandatory measures ? It is not difficult to antago- 

 nize the people to whom we are making our appeal. If these discus- 

 sions lead to a break between lumbermen and foresters there is, to my 

 mind, little hope that there can be secured the public sentiment that is 

 essential for successful accomplishment. Certainly fault-iinding and 

 recrimination do no good, whether indulged in by lumbermen or by 

 foresters. 



Foresters of this country have no monopoly on desiring to do what 

 is best for the nation in the long run, although we like to think that in 

 this regard we are in the lead. There are many more of like mind, 

 including not a few lumbermen. Is it not therefore good sense to 

 proceed somewhat slowly in this business, by first getting together on 

 the things about which we can all agree, and by working hard to get 

 them started? 



The policy as a whole to succeed must be absolutely sound from an 

 economic standpoint. It takes time to formulate such a policy. But 

 while the more difficult portions remain under discussion there is no 

 good reason why we should not begin with fire protection and public 

 ownership and the other things on which we can all unite now. I be- 

 lieve this to be the rational method of procedure and that if it is fol- 

 lowed at least a part of the problem of cost will take care of itself. 



