16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



manent usefulness of the forest can be maintained. 

 That we, men as varied in our occupations as are the 

 industries and interests we represent, are drawn to- 

 gether by this common cause, may well mark the 

 beginning of a new era in our treatment of the forest. 

 Your presence here is itself the best possible proof 

 that forestry is rapidly taking its appropriate place as 

 an active and indispensable factor in the national 

 economy. The era of forest agitation alone has en- 

 tirely passed. We are talking less and doing more. 

 The forest problem, as President Roosevelt has de- 

 scribed it, is recognized as the most vital internal 

 problem in the United States, and we are at work upon 

 it. 



Free discussion here will aid greatly towards the 

 best solution of this problem. Above all, this Con- 

 gress affords us an opportunity to formulate a forest 

 policy broad enough to cover all minor points of differ- 

 ence, but definite and clear cut enough to give force 

 and direction to the great movement behind it. In the 

 very nature of things, these minor points of difference 

 will continue to exist; and this is necessary for the 

 highest effectiveness of our forest work in the long 

 run. But we are facing a problem which can be met 

 squarely only by vigorous and united action. 



I look for excellent results from the deliberations 

 of this Congress, for more light upon vexed questions, 

 and for the statement of new and useful points of view. 

 But above all, I hope from our meeting here there 

 will come a more complete awakening to the vastness 

 of our common interest in the forest, a wider under- 

 standing of the great problem before us, and a still 

 more active and more earnest spirit of cooperation. 



Because of your individual achievement in your 

 chosen fields this is a great gathering and a most 



