We had our troubles and set-backs; we suffered from some severe fires; and the supply of crude oil was most uncertain.

Our plans were constantly changed by changed conditions.

We developed great facilities in an oil centre, erected storage tanks, and connected pipe-lines; then the oil failed and our work was thrown away.

At best it was a speculative trade, and I wonder that we managed to pull through so often; but we were gradually learning how to conduct a most difficult business.
FOREIGN MARKETS Several years ago, when asked how our business grew to such large proportions I explained that our first organization was a partnership and afterward a corporation in Ohio.

That was sufficient for a local refining business.