Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-11-19
Union Farm ers' Club.
Fret Session for Discussion--Does Farm
ing Pay--OIford County Farmers think
IL Pays, I'm Money and I'm Happiness
Lively and Interesting Debate.


Those interested in farmers club, TO
embrace in its limits. the towns in the
vicinity OF Oxford. Paris, Norway. He
bron, &c, met at Grange Hall, South
Paris, last Thursday, and adopted Con-
stitution and series OF Bylaws. President
Smith of Oxford, and Secretary Forbes
Of Paris, were at their posts, ready 10
perform the business of this meeting.
After preliminary business, Geo. +
Hammond was called upon Tor an essay
dealing with the question "Does Farming
PayP"
Mr.. Hammond said no had prepared no
essay. but had given the matter some con-
sideration. He then spoke extemporauc-
ously Tor about twenty minutes. lie
thinks the question is broad one, asking
did farming pay in the pastP does 1t pay
to-day2 and what is the prospect Tor the
futureP What do we mean by payP 1t
does not mean only dollars and cents
The man who receives the most oi LIES
happiness and comfort Tor his labor is
the best paid. In the past, our fore
fathers settled in this country rs it was
left by the hands OF nature. They found
it a wilderness; they lett broad fields, fit
tor cultivation; they left villages, and
school houses, churches and happy homes,
and they lett children who honoied these
homes, and he parents who gave them.
Many, IN addition to ell this left large
sums OF money. All this was the result
OF farming. 1t was taken from the soil
What are we getting TO day. There is
not farmer in Oxford County who can
tell what the income of his farm is. We
should be astonished ii We knew what il
costs to live, and We take il all out OF our
farms Our families are well clothed and
we'll fed; we own good riding wagons,
and when we choose, we 90 off Tor q day
or week, and take our wives with US
1t friend visits US. we add more bounti-
fully 10 our table; we show him our
barns, our stock. our produce; we say all
this is our own, and we draw untold hap
piness from such sources 1t is not money
at interest or in hand that makes US hap
py, or gives Us the best compensation tor
our labor. Aston, tho millionaire of New
York, once asked man who thought he
must be happy in possessing so great
wealth, il he would have the care of shat
property for his food and clothes. That
is all | get" said Mr.. Aston. Our board,
clothes and the happiness of life is all we
can really get for our toll The farmer
is the most independent of men. He an
swers no bell call, and is no ono's ser
want. He does not worry il banks tail ;
his bank cannot fail In his cellar be has
TODD for the winter. and his mind is free Il.
A farme does not live in fear that by dis
pleasing some one be will lose bis place
and means OF sustenance. lie is as iu-
dependent as any creature can be. What
is the prospect for the future? 1t seems
bright. The interest manifested by farm
ers 10 learn of new and more economic
methods, give good promise for the iu-
ture. No branch OF business requires so
much insight and experimental knowl-
edge as farming, and this spirit Of inves.
tigation shows that we mean 10 master it's
mysteries. Good crops. this fall, give US
| promise OF better lines 10 come, and we
are all aiding to bring them about, seek
ing an education in our line OF business.
We learn something every day; we do
not take up hoe for half an hour with
out learning something. Ia summing
up, he thought farming paid in the past,
pays now, and will pay in the future.
a. j. Rowe of Norway, says be is =
small farmer. He considers il TO be a
good, safe business. Tree from the harrass-
ing cares Of other employmen,s. The
farmer has time for enjoyment in reading
and meditation. Money is good-a little
OF it is very convenieDt-but who wishes
the care of large sums. A mans life is
in danger if be goes out with even hun
dred dollars 10 his pocket. Money gives
US other troubles When the country
was full of shin-plasterS, our people Tor
sock the farms, located in cities and viii
lagos, and undertook to get rich by spec
ulation. These persons have learned, by
a sad experience. that mercantile life
does not mean happiness, or good pay,
and they are now coming back tn the
farms. II is said that more real estate in
New Hampshire has changed hands dur
ing the past three months than in nine
years previous. This is good sign. If
| had sons who wero seeking an occnpa.
ton, | should advise them 10 take up
farms. | remember men who took up
wild land, having little bnt strong arms.
a s,eadtast purpose. and keen AK, and
who are now wealthy and independent.
They took it all from the soil. 1t pays to
have a home. A young man should take
up a farm, and take it for life, devoting
oil his energies to identifying and i'm
proving it. Thus he will secure beauti-
tul home, and will be well paid in hap
1850. L.,L..