The Republican journal., 1883-10-25
Talks With Hon. Fred Atwood.

THE IMPROVED CONDITION OF MAINE FAR
MERS. FARMING AS PROFESSION. THE
FUTURE OF OUR STATE.
A year or more ago the journal had series
of talks with Mr.. Atwood of Winterport con-
corning the agricultural and industrial interests
of Maine, and the interviews published We're
widely copied. Various causes prevented the
continuation of projected series of these talks,
but recently Journal representative succeeded
in again subjecting Mr.. Atwood to the inter-
viewing process. The result was as follows:
journal. | notice, Mr.. Atwood, that you
were interviewed not long ago by a lewiston
journal reporter in relation to farm implements,
farm machinery and the present condition of
Maine farmers. Were not your estimates as to
the value of the machinery and implements
something of surprise?
Mr.. A. Yes, to almost everyone, even to
manufacturers The figures given as to now
ers bought in Maine I find, however. to have
been overstated, as were also those regarding
manure spreaders but all the other items NAM
ed were much understatcd. In addition should
be mentioned the sales of commercial fertilizers,
which must amount to nearly 500, 900 for the
year 1883.
journal. You said at Lewiston that the
Maine farmers are using the later improve
ments of farm machinery. Now to what do
you refer:
Mr.. y. Manure spreaders, fruit evaporators,
wheel harrows, and secders.
journal, Are the pillow sulkies practical?
Mr.. A. oh yes. They surprise all who use
them. There are sulky plows but this is pillow
and sulky combined. Plow sulkies are adapted
to all plows. The Osborn is one of the first pa
tents and was tested for many years before it
was offered to farmers, and now the sale is be-
yond the capacity to build With yearly in
creased facilities the manufacturers are unable
to meet the increased dcmhd
journal. What, i'll round numbers. would be
your estimate of the expenditures of Maine
farmers for 1888:
Mr.. A. For farm implements and machin-
cry, fertilizers, seeds, and other items, not in
Guiding stock, l should say over $4,000, 900
probably tro a4" tt qua,te. millions Of doilaix.
Journal. Do you think that these large pur-
chases indicative of Il healthy and prosperous
condition of the farming interest:
Mr.. A. Certainly. Maine farmers as a class
are very cautious and conservative r. slow to
take to the new order Of things. They have
for years been clearing their farms and grow
ing grass as a crop intellgently. increasing the
quantity of home made manure and bringing
up the condition of the old fields. Now they
find that they must have the improved appli-
ances TO handle their increased crops. Why. Il
farmer now constructs his barn and other build
ings with a view TO the use of machinery and
labor-saying devices. and rarely has room >utli-
cient for his crops. The fact is, farmer, Were
not aware how rapidly their new and more in
telligent mode of farming was cnrichiug them.
The dairy interest is prosperous and on the IN
crease. Maine exports butter now. In lS6U
and prior to that date, large quantities We're
imported. Maine butter from some diaries is
sold in Boston and New York and commands
gilt edge prices. Farmers now select their
products for market and prepare aud put them
up more neatly In fact, with Ils farming i
now profession and is looked upon with pride
and satisfaction.
journal. Are these the only indications on
which you base your opinion that Maine farm
er> are prosperous:
Mr.. A. Oh. no. The best indication of all is
the promptness with which they pay their bills
Maine farmers notes are more promptly paid
than those of the same class in any State in the
Union. Farmers have net only learned that
good farming is profitable, but have also learn
ed business methods and attend to their nan-
ca affairs in business way. Maine farmers
require better manufactured implements than
the Western farmer. buy for less money pay
better. and get better prices for their crops
journal. What in your opinion has had the
most to do with bringing about this condition
of things:
Mr.. A. 1t is largely due TO the Grange. The
Grange now includes among it, members men
of business education and integrity. It has di-
vested itself of some OF its crude ideas as to the
middle man and manufacturer. and finds that
with their better understanding the farmer has
all he can do i'll producing crops while he prof
its by the competition of the middle men Agri-
cultural papers are much improved; in fact
amy paper TO succeed must devote more or les.
space to agriculture. There are but few farm
ers nowadays who do not take several papers
and many farmers are owners of extensive IL
braries OF scientific works. The farmer now
takes his vacation week. as well as the bank
er, and associations and observations among
men elevate him and teach him business WAYS
The railroads in Maine are at present run for
and in the interest Of the State. and the steam
boat lines and other modes of TRANSFORMATION
tOippt IL and XyplI f,r ! Il. A.
Nelopment of Maine. No State in the Union
mas better or more liberal railroad manage
ment. Supt. Tucker, of the Maine Central is
without doubt one of the ablest railroad men in
the country. He believes in Maine and his
management not only helps TO develop the
State but proves profitable to the owners of
the road.
journal. Would the proposed change and
lease of the Maine Central be detrimental to
Maine interests
Mr.. A. We now have Il fair. liberal and
progressive management, and by Maine men
who believe in Maine, 1t would, in my opinion,
be unwi>e and dangerous to allow an outside
corporation to gobble up this trunk line.
journal. Aroostook county appears TO BIZ,
bcNeloplHS IdpiulN. W Nat 10 You thlnk of the
outlook there.
Mr.. A. Yes Aroostook is growing, but its
future can hardly be appreciated The i'm
migration will soon be into Mane-and not
into other States from Maine--;tnd it will be
beyond all expectations if Il wise and liberal
policy is adopted.
Journal " hat would you recommend in
this connection!
Mr.. A. | would recommend that the State
of Maine do as North Carolina is now doing at
the Mechanics and Manufacturers Institute in
Boston. | would also show our resources and
capacity by exhibits at the manufacturing
centres of New England, would give practical
information as TO lands, etc., through com
mission composed of men who would econom-
ically yet fully show to the world that Maine
Is second to no State in the Union. and solicit a
good class of immigrants.
journal. You evidently believe in Maine and
its future.
Mr. A. Why shouldn't | The facts and
figures warrant my belief. Go where Won