The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-07-01
Going Back to Agriculture.

IN lOOhiuR ONeE aU Ola tuHteT Oh aeW
months since we find some very wise re-
marks from DR.. ELIZEY concerning a dis
position OF some to return to the pursuit Of
agriculture, and also on the nobleneSs and
advantageous character Of that calling, that
we can find no better room for a little space
than to appropriate it to its reproduction.
: TIE Doctor is remarking upon the indica-
fions in various quarters OF disposition to
seek relief from embarrassment by retiring
to the country. He says: .....
Many have learned by bitter experience
that the kind OF property and the employ
ment which afford TO frugal industry at all
Zines q home, with all the necessarieS and
many Of the ,,Xurcs OF life. Is tue best.
Happy is that State where abundant and
cheap lands and q genial climate afford to
these weary wanderers from post to pillar Il
safe retreat and happier and purer homes
than they have ever known before. Alum
sdant sud cheap land is the safcty-valvc OF
society. but woe to the State whose cities
are fun TO overlooking and whose lands are
vcrcloYtled with population, or lie waste
in the hands of titled arlstocracy when
1bn evil Cav OF depression and stagnatlon
ri business comes. This withdrawal Of in
tellj.ent Businessmen with small capitals
from q stagnant commerce and the bizarre
and blaZen vulgarity OF modern past life in
town, and their rellracy TO the pure ana
DcaceIul homes OF country life with thcir
Families, is a joyful omen for America.
arrue, tie deyiish elementef the, commune
viii remain in the cities, but the gradual
q withdrawal Of the better element from the
competition OF tonn-lfe vii! open the way
to those least disposed to evil 10 return to
10 Nd t,iI 10 1 II ju1Iyl.
isbcs the rampant horde OF murderers and
Shelves. it isolates the remainder from the
respectfully employed, defines the outlines
soSlhe obscene mob, and enables the author
j;ics 10 take definite and intelligent mea-
sures 10 subdue them. We have never been
able TO comprehend the insane desire, ex-
hibited hy some publicists, 10 see every
town and every rural district crowded to
oyeraowing with population, with prices OF
commodities al the highest possible point.
The outcry is for immigrants, immigrants,
people, people OF any sort-paupers, thieves,
criminals, outcasts, tramps. anybody, to set.
tie and develop the country. Heaven de-
fend US from the realization OF such wild
varar!esl Why s..ould we anticipate the
evil day when there is no refuge for
oyelrasked, oyercroWded. ,uLfed mid
lions; no alternative but starvation or plum
der. Ia this country many generations will
sleep with their fathers before the available
Iaud is occupied, which will give time for
the growth Of social science and for the
more complete adaptation OF the people to
the social state, accompanied, we may hope,
by discoveries OF new modes LOT dealing
with the great crises which contributes one
OF the most marked features OF modern So
.ciety. As yet fertile lands, to be had for the
occupying ofthem, constitute o safety-yalye
that may save far more than one American
statesman his reputation and bis neck. Agri-
culture holds Tan invltipgield in COMPARE
son with crowded trades and professions.
In the skiliui adaptation OF modern ma
chIncry, Improved modes Of culture, iu..
proved breeds OF live stock to soil crops
and facilities for market, scope Ia afforded
for the energies Of the brightest intellect;
whereas satisfactory pecnniary results VIII
not fail as the reward OF industry, frugaiity,
and enterprise. e Fast living = any here
is a crime which brings its own punish
Aienl. ~ ri II III Sl 4!
(; Fast living is indeed d crime. 1t is
/. In the great raiority Of cases = cause Of
embarrassment "a the st fast iiyers y them
selves; but even when TINT Is not the case
b IL is the cause OF trouble In a community,
because tt leads to attempts 10 initiate q bad
example and TO consequent dlscoptent and
ennbarrass ment amongst others. J se'
Especially at this period OF scarcity and