Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1875-01-08
Westminster Farmers Cub

IL. a, WILLARD. ms question
seems to call for a farmer, one who is
familiar with all the avenues of his art,
one who is in the harness and knows and
understands all the means necessary to
the end obtained As an observer and
one intimately connected with his inter-
ests, / shall take the affirmative Of the
question. As proof that the atirma-
tive answer is true, we need only to COM
pare the standard of farmers, as whole,
their progress, their accomplishments
and their available means, to continued
success, with those represented by other
occupations Through the application
of farm machinery he has been lifted,
comparatively, to a level with the pro-
fessional man. With all the improved
implements for the farm, it becomes him
to work his brain into the'soil, it is one
of the best fertilizers that was ever APP
piled. His efforts in that direction have
been happily remunerated as his home,
his farm, his position in society, his in
Auence in public affairs, clearly affirm,
The large number of farmers that are
taking honorable part in our legislative
business, leads us to believe that we are
outstripping men in almost any other oc-
cupation in the land.
p. ID. KEYEs. - 1t has been said and
the same is generally well understood,
that for number of years past it has
been hard times for the farmer, yet am
not aware that he has failed to keep up
with the times. They may not have
prospered financially as some men have,
yet more men have failed in oher occu-
pations (in proportion to numbers than
in ours The success of the farmer is
the success of the community in which
he lives. 1t is the vital interest of every
community that every farmer should
prosper. The principal of demand and
supply seem to promise that he shall be
fairly renumerated.
n. G. PIERCE-If what has been said
is true, then l am agreeably surprised,
for as class we have mourned and re-
GREETED the depressed condition of our
circumstances. 1t has been said that we
are outstripping men in other oecupa-
tions, but | am of the opinion that if
we outstrip them in anything it is in our
willingness and ability to strip off our
coats and go to work. | desire to ask
few questions. Does Mr.. Willard think
that we as a class are fully up? Is it a
fact we are as well educated as other
classes of men taken together? That
we are occupying as eommendable posi-
tions in society, and exercising an equal
influence in the social circle? Are we
able to send as able representatives to
congress, or to our legislative halls Are
we so trained and informed that we can
go out among the business and enterpris-
ing people of New England and express
ourselves in capable manner? Are
we exercising a fair share of public in
fuence in proportion to our numbers
WILLARD.-I don't think a mans sue
cess is measured by his political infu
ence, | don't believe it consists in pile
ing up money for succeeding generations
to squander, do not believe there il
any other occupation Of the world tina
furnishes as favorable opportunities 70
educating a child to meet the demand
that await worthy and honorable citi
zen as the farmers. | do not think i
has been because they were not fitted
but because they have not given the tim
and attention that they have not wielde
their share of public influence, if the
have not. | believe there are as caps
BILE men among farmers to fill offices {
public trust, as can be found in any G
the occupations-men of as good judg
ment and foresight.
PIERCE'-I agree with Mr.. Willard i
regard to the position farmers ought
take, but have yet TO see that farmer
have not that itching for Office that otl
er men have. In my opinion we al
very far behind in ability to take az
vantage of the opportunities afforded
Morally l think they are above the az
erage. Many farmers have educate
their children to the credit of themselv,
and the honor of the community, Y,
very few have ever returned to the farm
Are we equal in present acquired abil
: ties
w. P. GAGE am not certain tn;
| have an opinion upon this subjec
: though | have been reminded that IL
purposes of men call them to high,
standards of life. If we take educatic
for standard by which to Judge Il
relative positions of men, farmers a
behind When we look at the iudgmei
) of men in our legislative halls and
: Congress, we find farmers quite equa
. and if honesty was taken as a STANDARD
! far outstripping them. Men need goo
: Judgment to manage public as well
narsonaI affairs in this / beIiava II