But we
could do something, with a little brains and money and initiative. So we
went at it.
"I formed a joint stock company. We secured all the timber limits in
this valley. We got together a little group for a start. They were
returned men, some physically handicapped, but eager to do something for
themselves. A man with that spirit always makes good if he gets a
chance. We put in machinery and gear, put up a small sawmill for
ourselves, tore into the logging business, cleared land, built houses.
You see we are quite a community. And we are a self-supporting
community. Some of these men own stock in the company. Any returned men
can find a place for himself here. There is room and work and security
and ultimate independence here for any man willing to cooperate for the
common welfare. This valley runs for miles. As fast as the land is
logged off it is open for soldier entry. There is room here for five
hundred families. So you see there is a lot of scope.
"It was in the nature of an experiment. There were people who sneered.
And it is working out well. There is not the slightest taint of charity
in it. If I used a lot of money that may be a long time coming back to
me that is my own business.
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