86 Miscellaneous Circular 39, U. S. Depl. of Agriculture 
economic solution by private interests. tailed discussion of reforestation, for 
If, therefore, public sentiment becomes while it is so closely linked as to be 
insistent that this waste be utilized almost inextricable, it has, neverthe- 
further, I am not so sure but that, in less, been the subject of such profound 
view of all of the conditions, the Gov- thought and research for the past half 
ernment should tackle the problem and decade by this industry and govern- 
go into business. mental departments that no discussion 
During times of market inactivity of it by me to-day is necessary. 
our sawmills usually continue to oper- The Western Forestry and Conserva- 
ate, thereby producing surplus stocks; tion Association, composed of lumber- 
and inevitably the sales price drops, men and lumber owners of the Pacifie 
creating the very conditions under Northwest States, has for the past 
which waste flourishes—waste not decade engaged in intensive forestry 
only in woods and mill, but waste research, and to-day is representing 
arising from cut-throat competition half a dozen of our largest operators 
with each other, which ultimately re- in a special study of their properties, 
flects in closed plants, unemployment, with a view to launching a perpetual 
reduced wages, with the inevitable re- yield program consistent with enlight- 
flex upon the butcher, the baker, and ened sentiment. This institution is 
the candlestick maker. fortunate in that it is officered and 
Certainly the loss to society is far functioned by the highest type of ex- 
greater through this senseless state ecutives and technical men, who are 
of affairs than it would be were we keenly alive to the problem confront- 
permitted to intelligently curtail our ing them. 
production rather than force it upon You will accuse me of being prodigal 
an unwilling market, with not only with suggestions as to what others can 
attending pecuniary loss but the in- do for us in the scheme of making it 
evitable let down in utilization. Our possible to save. 
laws at present not only prohibit a I have purposely delayed until my 
concerted curtailment, but enjoin us conclusion to tell you what we have 
from certain associated activities in- done and what we should yet do for 
dispensable to the intelligent conduct ourselves. No product ever sold itself. 
of our business. The products of the fir region have 
It is my firm belief that ere long en- come as near doing it as any. With 
lightened public sentiment will de- our geographical situation, market ex- 
mand that the Government insist up- tension is our salvation. 
on our doing the very things we are Five years ago we formed the West 
now alleged to be doing and for which (oast Forest Products Bureau, with 
we are branded as conspirators. funds subscribed by all branches of 
To-day the utilization of our red our industry—timber owners, loggers, 
cedar, a vanishing species because it manufacturers, and wholesalers—for 
is not reproduced readily, is impaired the purpose of preaching the gospel of 
because of an illogical tariff situa- our woods in the consuming markets 
tion which admits free shingles manu- of this country and of bridging that 
factured from. lower-priced stumpage 2,000-mile gap. Thus our entire in- 
and by cheap oriental labor. Certain dustry is solidified behind the move- 
types of our cedar trees can not be ment, with a common aim and a defi- 
marketed without waste except in nite realization of the benefits which 
connection with a shingle operation. will accrue to each constituent branch. 
Because of the situation I have men- We employ trained technical men, who 
tioned above ,hundreds of shingle mills spend their time in our eastern mar- 
in our district have gone out of busi- kets, learning their conditions and re- 
ness. This is something for our Gov- quirements and seeking new outlets 
ernment to think about. for our product. 
Our State governments can assist The story of the activities of this 
by giving relief from a system of bureau is too extensive to detail here. 
taxation which has become confiseca- I believe it is generally recognized as 
tory and is resulting in hurling upon a forward step in the light of its be- 
the market stands of timber which, neficent accomplishments because it is 
by all of the laws of the game, should digging at the roots of our troubles. 
be withheld for the future. Timber Its ramifications include research with 
ig held by most of our county asses- the railroads, car builders, and indus- 
sors to be legitimate prey; the public trial plants. Of our product sold east 
attitude is “hit her while she lasts.” of the Mississippi River, 75 per cent 
Here, again, the public must be edu- is sold on architect's specifications. 
cated to the fallacy of this program. Therefore we are cultivating the archi- 
I have purposely eliminated a de- tects in an endeavor to convince them.