The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-07-03
SHELBY sJaiut4.

/ YOUNG MEN TO THE FRONT.
Editor Patron. If there is one
want of the farmers prominent
among all others, that want is cul-
tured representatives Men not
only Of sound and good mind, but
minds we'll cultivated and trained
to represent agriculture wherever
its interests demands. This is the
great disideratum of agriculture to-
day. and a short discussion upon the
subject think would be quite OPP
perfume. We have been told, and
we know it to be true from observ-
alton, that three fourths of our best
statesmen, our lawyers, our mer
chants, aid in short; the Best talent
III all Professions cofiies frorii the
| farm-yet the farm is desolate and
barren for the lack of that talent
which it lavishes SO profusely upon
other professions.
Agriculture is the basis of all
wealth, yet it is stricken with pow
efty. 1t is the cradle of great r1en,
yet she has none to represent her.
Why is this? l answer, because
there Is no demand Tor talent on
the farm. Farmer boys of worth
and intellectual superiority are neg
lected, their abilities ignored, and
they are considered as idlers delving
in sciehce and doting upon books
when the highest aim Of the farmer
should be to kill grass and eat fat
pork.
1t is patent to the most casual oh
server and young men do not fail
TO note it, that he who chooses
farming for profession must leave
all hope behind, for the profession
is an embargo upon all honorable
aspirations. This subject demands
the most profound consideration of
our Grange leaders. They are sup
posed to be men possessed of clear
judgment, and it is with confidence
that | appeal to them TO take this
subject in hand. How much longer
is this drain upon the rising worth
and talent of the country to con-
tinue? Shall we see in the future
as we have seen in the past, our
most promising young men laying
down the pillow and hoe and going
to become ornaments in other pro-
fessions after being neglected on the
farm? If SO, the cause of the farm
er must ultimately languish. 1t is
very possible to get up temporary
enthusiasm in his behalf; but to es-
tablish a permanent good we must
have talent. The world through
all ages has been moved by talent,
moved from darkness to light.
Physical force is mere slave of
the mind, and if we continue to
pride ourselves upon the former
and neglect the latter, we must con-
tinue to be the slaves of other class
es. The farm, as well as most other
caliings in life, requires blending
of physical and mental effort, and |
if we neglect the latter, it will be to
the serious detriment of our calling. |
These facts are too obvious to adj.
nit of doubt or cavil, and if our
Grange leaders desire to do the
thing which is right. the thing
which is just and requisite to the
success of the Grange, let them
bring our young men to the front
as champions of the farmers cause,
utilize their talents, open up avenues
70 honorable promotion, and our
young men will not desert the farm.
If, however, you do not give the
rising talent of the farm substantial
evidence of appreciation, you can
not hope to retain it. Said Talley-
and to the higher officers of the
French army, Promote this young
nan Bonaparte, or he YiH promote