The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1857-10-17
Sick the Farm.


Are pale faces, white hands, and bad
health more geptcel than robust frames, a
good appetite, sound sleep and independent
circumstances? We think not, and for the
same reason We Judge that farming is not
beneath any pursuit whatever, in all that
makes man virtuous, useful and happy; and
it is surely to be regretted, that nearly ali
our young men should prefer a mercantile
life or a profession to the tilling of the
ground at their own quiet homes. Not only
is it to be lamented on account Of the well
fare of the young men themselves, but also
IN reference 70 the prosperity of the country,
for ii is truth that cannot DO contradcted,
that the best interests of the inhabitants OF
any country, are Intimately connected with
the prosperous condition Of its agriculture.
tt IS the cardinal pursuit of man, and all
others must either prosper or decline with
It. II IS that pursuit that, Of all others, will
be most likely to help Us comfortably through
the world, and is most prolific in substantial
enjoymen,s, and real independence. We
would not wish to be understood rs speak
ing disparagingly Of other caliings, or to
make invidlous comparisons between the
various occupations IN which the people Of
| civilized countries are engaged. All are
useful and honorable when fairly conducted.
| But we would check the inoriinnte taste of
our young men Tor commercial and profes-
sional life, which now wars with giant
hand against the wealth and morals of the
nation. And this state of things bears with
great force upon the laboring poor. For
although they can procure nominally, good
wages FOR work, yet so extrayagantly high
are all articles Of food, induced by the lin
tied number of the cultivators of the soil,
that 1t requires their utmost exertains to
obtain comfortable livelihood. Ii is not
often that the poor see harder times than
they have for some time past; and even
men OF moderate property, who in ordinary
times are easy with the world, have to
scratch to get along. as the saying is.
An undue proposition OF our people are
engaged in other pursuits besides agricul-
ture, and 1t is high time that means be APP
pied to remedy the great evil. But long rs
fashion Is on the side OF professions and
mercantile life, it will require Hercules to
conquer our enemy; but it must be conquer
ed, though We have to enlist Hercules, and
brlareus, also, to tight for US.
And why should our young men DO go
eager to leave the farm and plunge into
other avocations Is there one chance in a
hundred that their fond anticipations of OBJ
tanning wealth and fame will be realized
How many professional men obtain wealth
and distinction? The chance is against
them, and experience has proved it So.
Theirs is life of anxiety and turmoil.
though ii may be useful and honorable
one. Therefore we would say to Young
men, who have been educated in husbandry,
stick to your farm, and il your hands are
not as white Us the minister's and your
brow not as graceful as the lawyers, you
have substantial prerogatives that they know
not of; yes, cultivate some acres, get some
books and read them, keep clear Of debt If
possible, and if you are not happy in this
selection yon will never be in any Prov.
Trans.