What the Lumber Trade Can Do. 



It is,* of course, important that lumbermen have a clear 

 understanding of the purpose, nature and direction of the ac- 

 tivity thus undertaken with the cordial support of the De- 

 partment of Commerce. The lumber trade can if it wishes 

 do all these things without any reference to, or any contact 

 whatever with the secretary of commerce or with any de- 

 partment of Government. Some detached, disinterested and 

 impartial agency, however, has been necessary to get the 

 lumber trade to work together on this matter and to give to 

 the lumber trade in this effort the confidence of the con- 

 sumer and the general public, which is invaluable if results 

 are to be lasting. 



Moreover, the secretary of commerce has the wisdom 

 and the courage and the definite intention to confine his 

 cooperation to helping the lumber industry to help itself. 

 This constructive program has the definite purpose of avoid- 

 ing governmental interference in the conduct of the lumber 

 business. It must not be permitted to involve the industry 

 in any of the "policing" powers of Government. The indus- 

 try can do its own "policing" if it will, and when it is need- 

 ed. That is the aim and end of this constructive program 

 which in the opinion of those lumbermen who have studied 

 the industry's need, and have both seen and heard, is de- 

 serving of the confidence and support of lumbermen who be- 

 lieve in self-government in industry; who are interested in 

 the lumber industry because they intend to stay in it; and 

 who would rather run their own business than have it run 

 for them. 



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