that we must have equal rights to all and special privileges 

 to none. 



In closing let me urge that we be big enough and broad 

 enough to let the dead past, bury its dead, and grasp new 

 thoughts in keeping with the Declaration of Independence. 

 The big idea is to forget petty differences, go into these de- 

 liberations with only constructive thoughts and criticism 

 and forget everything that may have ought of destructive 

 nature connected with it. This is no time to consider the 

 bickerings of the past. This is no time to consider little 

 petty jealousies. Let us present one common solid front, 

 standing by the thought as expressed in the Standardization 

 Conference in Washington on May 22, and continue to pre- 

 sent that front, and that when the time comes for the meet- 

 ing for the setting up of the standard grades and guaranty 

 to the public we shall be enrolled among the mighty, and 

 that we will not only be there with our brains and best con- 

 structive effort but that we shall be there in sufficient num- 

 ber to be recognized as proper representatives of the Am- 

 erican Hardwood Manufacturers of our country. 



26 



