Making Good Neighbors of Lumber Folks

By Jack Dionne

A lumberman friend of mine wrote me the other day that he appreciated this journal for many reasons, prominent among which was the fact that we have been devoting our efforts to "making good neighbors" of lumber folks.

FIe couldn't have said anything that pleased me better. When you have made good men better neighbors you have done much for them, for the industry they represent, for the business they are in, and for the territory they serve.

I shall never forget the words of that kindly souled gentleman who was President of these United States, and who died in so untimely a fashion, Warren G. Harding. When he was elected President a friend asked him the question: "\A/'arren, what is your ambition as President of the United States?" And Harding replied, with that generous smile of his, "I only want to be a good neighbor."

And that's a great ambition, and no mistake. Because it includes and overlaps so r'nany other useful things.

When you help make lumbermen better neighbors, you help them to know one another better, to understand one another better, to appreciate one another more, to sympathize with one another's problems, and to promote co-operation by making them better competitors.

When men meet as neighbors they don't go away and vilify one another. A sentimental something that goes to make the world of civilization has crept in to place them in a different light with one another.

Lumbermen are better neighbors than they used to be. There is more social contact between them, more specific knowledge of one another, more kindly and friendly interest than used to be manifested, and more certain knowledge that individuals can best serve themselves by promoting the general welfare.

To make lumbermen better neighbors, better citizens, better friends, better public servants-this is the fundamental intent and purpose and ambition of this journal. We consider these things most important because they embrace all other purposes.

And these purposes and ambitions shall continue to guide us.