The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1874-05-28
Farm E-aborers Way become Farm
Owners.

1t was quite common, some half a CEN
tury ago, for the sons Of farmers. with
more sons than could be employed profit
ably on their own farms, TO hire out TO
neighboring farmers until by frugality
they could accumulate enough 10
purchase iarm for themselves. We
are Of the opinion that if careful inquiry
were made we should find that fair pro-
portion of our best farmers once laoored
Tor wages, and in thar way earned the
money, and acquired the knowledge OF
the farmers vocation that laid the tounda-
ton OF their prosperity.
In those halcyon days manual labor was
respected, and the young man who at
tempted TO gain a livelihood by his wits
was despised Then the farm laborer
ate at the same table, and SAT- around
the same open fireplace, piled with fam
ipg, cracking beech, maple, oak or hick-
DRY, that bis employer did, and was con-
suited with in reference to the best meth
DDS Of doing the work, and all other sub
iectz pertaining to the farm, his opinions
receiving all the respect to which they
were entitled.
We have known faithful, efficient la
borers to work for the same farmer for
years saving a large proportion of their
wages. until they had accumulated
enough to enable them to 20 where cheap
er land could be bought, and purchase a
farm of their own Generally, the prac-
ticsI knowledge Of their vocation which
they had gained in the service # others
was manifested IN the thorough culture
they bestowed on their own farms.
g III
TODD farmers instead OF hiring out to la
Dor for other farmers, refuse to work at
home and are unwilling to receive a por-
ton Of the homestead, gratis, and cult
waite it themselves. Ii they consent to
follow the vocation Of their father, they
attempt TO work their farms by proxy,
through Irish or German employees, while
they drive fast horses, and help run ag-
ricultural societies These are very like
ly, the farmers who write dolorous arti-
cles ia agricultural journals entitled
Farming Don't Pay" As evidence
that there are a few Of the old style Of
flrm laborers left, we copy the following
from the Rural New \ orker, hoping that
IL may induce others TO go and do like
wise
Il ann an agricultural Iaborer l work
out for "a living by the month. | get
good, fair wages the year around.
have no fault to find with the treatment
given me. As a rule, think those who
DO find fault ought to look 10 themselves
for tue cause. / do not mean chat all
employers are alike cousiderate. | know
they are not; but / am careful not to
hire 10 such men. This is the laborer's
privilege. I wouId NOS give the educa-
ton ! have received az a farm laborer
for the best college education | know
of-nGt that ! undervaiue it. but because
| have not neglected what the collegiate
gains while obtaining 4 practical knowl-
ledge upon some of the best-managed
farms la the country.
II have never had any reason to com
plain Of proper consideration ON the part
If ny employers. KS rule, the man Is
respected for what he Is and for all that
he is Selfrespect IS the foundation for
the respect Tor others. Good wages fol-
low good service poor wages, poor ser
vice 4 Gentleman is always recognized,
no matter what MS avocation. a hired
man will win the confidence and respect
OF those VINO employ him, if he makes
himself essential 10 them, and does not
assume to be what he is not. ! have
tried and know that | say only what is
true. | have been, more than once, Of
fered an interest in the profits of the farm
if | would consent 10 an arrangement by
which my services could be retained
series OF years. | prefer independence;
and when l shall have accumulated
enough money and experience shall buy
"a farm Of my own Until then | shall
serve nay employers to the best of my
ability, and leara ali can This is the
wisest course, 1t seems 10 me, for
\ FARM LABoRER.