that they should handle the problems that confront their 

 branch of industry without molestation from us. It is like- 

 wise proper that these problems that peculiarly affect the 

 manufacturer should be handled solely by the manufacturer 

 without interference from the distributor. The question of 

 inspection rules and other kindred questions are problems 

 that must be worked out by the producer with the assistance 

 of the consumer. The distributor is not concerned in these 

 problems and the honest wholesaler is content to merchan- 

 dise lumber of such standards as may be decided by the 

 manufacturer, with the assistance of the consumer, to best 

 meet the situation. 



Do not permit ourselves to be embittered against fellow 

 hardwood manufacturers who may at this time not be asso- 

 ciated with us, because of unwarranted attacks on us by 

 some other organization to which they may belong. Remem- 

 ber, their interests are ours. Whatever good we accomplish 

 must be shared by them. They may not see things now just 

 as we do, but the day of awakening is not far distant. Grad- 

 ually the mist will clear from their eyes and they will see 

 where their interests lie. Until that day comes, we must 

 preserve a kindly helpful spirit toward them, make them 

 realize that at heart we are brothers, that their interests 

 are our interests and let them know that our doors are ever 

 open to them and that we look confidently to the future 

 which we know will find them firmly united with us in this 

 great constructive work we are undertaking. 



We have been attacked unjustly, we have been misrep- 

 resented and lied about, but I beg of you, do not depart from 

 the path that leads to the accomplishment of our purpose 

 into the by-paths of senseless, groundless bickering. 



We have no argument or dispute with any one, it must 

 be clear to all the world what we are seeking to accom- 

 plish and let us pursue the objective to a successful con- 

 clusion. 



To those who seek to injure and destroy us let us an- 

 swer with a smile and treat them with the spirit that was 

 displayed by the humble Nazarene when he was attacked 

 and villified and which spirit he so forcibly expressed in 

 those simple words "Forgive them, for they know not what 

 they do." 



34 



