Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-01-03
THE FARMER.

burg furnished US an interesting article,
las, week, under the caption, docs
Farming Pay He draws rather un-
pleasant comparison between the farmer
and the professional man, and speak. Of
social distinctions which we think do not
in reality exist. IL Is true that the sue
cessful merchant has greater oppor,uni-
ties for acquiring wealth than the farmer
has. He is engaged in a more profitable
business. But we cannot all enter the
msrts of trade. and be successful. A
large percentage of those who make the
attempt, fail, and find themselves in a
sad plight, envyinS the farmer, who is
sure Of his bread and butter. There are
thousands of strong men in every city
who DO no, earn more than enough to
keep soul and body together. In such
comparisons We are apt to look al the
few who acquire wealth, rather than at
the c'as; supported by other occupations
than farming. We believe that farmers
are better cared for, more comfortable
and Independent, than any other class in
community. The advantages which
other kinds Of business offer over farm
Ing, in this section, are very marked
Every day, through summer and winter,
in sunshine and storm, the merchant Is
behind MS counter. earning something,
while his accumulated earnings are as
regularly and increasingly adding to them
selves BY accruing interest. With the
farmer it Is very different. He works
hard for a shor, season during the year,
and then he becomes a non-producer,
consuming what he has acquired during
the fruitful season. Every stormy day
causes him to stay his hand while SOW
ins and reaping, and his income is in
the hands Of the uncomfortable elements.
We do no, see now legislative action can
restore the balance until the weather
department has control Of the sun, when
Congress may be petitiOned for season
long enough 70 harvest two crops.
Bat notwithstanding the rigorous eli
mate, the many idle days, and the long,
unproduc;ive season, the majority OF our
farmers are successful and well-to-do.
Their houses are models Of comfort and
convenience. Year BY year We see the
interiors assuming more artistic decora-
;ioas, and a. we pass BY Of an evening
or on Sunday we frequently hear notes
from piano or organ accompanying the
voice Of a singer. or rolling out a good
Old tune in which the whole family Join.
These are evidences Of prosperity and
contentment-whichi IS wealth. The list
Of Oxford County farmers who have de-
posts in the .svings banks, or money
otherwise placed at interest, IS not small.
The farmers social position in this sec
ton Of the country IS JUS; as high as he
chooses 20 make IL. We know OF no
professional man in this community who
5 more highly esteemed than certain
farmers from the surrounding neighbor-
hoods The chief men in our Sabbath
schools and the descOns Of our churche,
axe largely farmers, while our social as.
,embhes are enliyened and graced by
their presence. They preside with dig
nity over dehberative bodies. and decide
nice points Of parliamentary law, in fac
they are our social leaders IL is tru,
there Is 4 c'ass Of farmers who take nc
part in these things, but i; is their Owl
fault and loss. They do not employ ,h'
long winter, their spare moments anC
rainy days in self-culture, and they g
into society so little they DO not EMO!
the ease and comfort which IS only &C
CURED by custom. But we repeat, TN
farmer, in this section who seeks gooC
society and high social position vii
ind no obstacles thrown in his way
Room viii be made for him at the top j
he has fitted himself to float on the sur
face. New England society is not divi
ded into OpPressors and oppressed, no
by such distinctions as masters ant
slaves. None are really oppressed bu
the vicious, and none are slaves but thos
who are subjugated by evil passions.
Our correspondent, We have good rea
son TO believe. has followed the advic
given in the last paragraph of his article
and fully appreciate, wha, our farmer
may do for themselves in the way c
education and self culture.