The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1865-02-11
qhe Effect. Of the, War ON Agrricthii.

- -: Iure.
The war is destinei:te make great chan
ges;ih the social Condition Of the American
farmers. Hitherto they have not occupied
that position. which issccorded 10 agficul-
tprists in older countries. With cheap
land, dear labor, and low prices, farming
has not been as remunerative as many 9th
er avocations. Wealth has accumulated
in cities and villages rsther than in the
country. and farmers themselves have not
been indisposed to theirrsons engaging in
trade rather. than in. agriculture. Tue war
will change all. this. Trade odds little or
nothing TO our national wealth. 1t is true
we must have middle men"-meu who
make a living by buying from those who
wish to sell, and selling to those who wish
to buy--but tbs not desirable that SO much
Of the labor of the country should be occu-
pied in this way. ss..s. is5.4 Hre i.at 81
Since the war commenced large fortunes
have been made in trade, and this has caus-
ed an influx OF young men TO the cities
The tide, however, is now turning The
war-the most gigantic and expensive Of
modern times-has absorbed so much of
the labor of the country. that the non-pro-
ducug classes are relatively vastly more
numerous than ever before. We produce
less and consume more than during a peri
od OF peace. Prices are regulated by sup
ply and demand. With the tens and hun
dreds of thousands that have left the farm
for the army, the supply must be less and
the demand greater. Prices therefore,
must advance. Trade cannot be as profit
able, as it has hitherto been. The intelIi-
gence OF tho country must DO turned to ag-
riculture. 1t supports all other interests
This has always been the case, but we have
during q long peace, increased so vastly in
material prosperity, that those who could
supply US with luxnries have obtained a
more liberal compensation than those who
furnished the mere necessaries of life. The
war will, in the end, make us poorer. We
shall not be able to waste 81 much labor
The cities will feel their deocndence on the
country. The importance of agriculture
will be felt aud acknowledged by all, and il
farmers are true to themselves, they will
exert far greater influence than ever be-
fore in this country.
Farmers must take greater pride in
their business. They should understand
their responsibility and strive to meet it.
They must farm more intelligently, keep
better stock, raise larger crops, make great
er improvements and systematize their la
Dor. This will be done. If farmers them
selves, or their sons, do not do tiff they
do not bring more energy and intelligence
to the cultivation Of the soil-others will
do so. Agriculture will be more profitable
thanit has hitherto been, and will draw to
it the capital and intelligence Of the coun-
try. Let farmers, and especially farmers
sons, ponder this matter.
Let them feel assured that good farming
will be profitable. Let them have faith in
the soil, and in thorough cultivation. Let
them not fear to spend money in judicious
improvements-in Undertaking, in ma
nures, in good implements, in better stock
and higher feeding The soil will prove
grateful, and you will certainly get back
with interest all that you put into it.-Gen
essee Farmer