The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1882-1884, 1883-06-21
THE AMERICAN FARMERS.

THE AMERICAN FARMERS. HI
''The census returns show that
more than one half of the population
of the United States are engaged in
agricultural pursuits. In view ofthis
fact, it becomes us as farmers, to note
the place we fill in the body polite,
and to carefully observe the changes
that are rapidly taking place with a
view of iorecasting, if possible. the
relative social and political condition
of the farmer as compared with other
classes Of society. s... ....sa-.
Ours. in theory, is agovernment of
the people. Our laws arc made by the
peoples representatives. This being
the case, the farmers should at least
have an equal voice and influence in
directing the policy of government.
So far from this being the fact, in the
Senate of the United States they have
not single representative, and but
few in the lower house of Congress.
No doubt. many Senators recogniz
ing the Importance of our agricultu-
raj interest would. to the best of their
ability try to legislate in the interests
Of this class upon which the material
wealth and prosperity of the country.
SO much depends. And yet they. do
not, perhaps they cannot, fully anpre-
ciate. nor underst and the. intere&ts
nor the social needs of the farmer.
AS apart of society, the farmer &C.
cupies an inferior place. There is no
denying this. There are notable in.
dividual exceptions. but the rule
holds true just the same. In both
social and political affairs, he has lit.
tie influence. This is true in great
degree, even in Vermont, an agricul.
tural State. IT'S true that the demand
for reform in certain directions have
been met by the enactment of laws
for the more equal distribution OF
taxes. The farmer is recognized as
a very useful member of the cemn u
nifty, and is considered 50 important
in political affairs that monopolists.
rings. and all parties whose influence
in legislation enables them to gain
their own selfish, ends atsthe expense
OF the community at large, do not
care 70 have them become united in
any important interest, for they nigh,
thus learn their own power. Power
in legislation depends much upon
social position, this every young
man of ability sees; and it is this
as much as anything that turns him
from the farm to seek his fortune in
other vocations. @
We often hear it said that pure air
the bright sunshine and the health
fuiness of outdoor exercise. with the
constant influence of nature conduce
to the highest mental and physica
deyeiopmept: SarroAndeds by beau
tses oneqnalled g 1T a gpidsasby
the lawss g acie the IS IN - i
would see i, has beStsfs ~ MP NJ o,
for high developmsxs;than any othel
class. But this IS not seenough, oppor
tunities'aref not achievments and on,
may live a lifetime amidst the hes
opportunities andaccomplish nothing
The fact is, if the farmer wcul,
take his proper place in society, h
must do something besides worh
Constant, laborious work from Y ur
rise to sunset, six days in the well
or in too many cases seven. unit
one for anything else. One who work
=
50 hard is not fitted to make the mn,
Of his business. :, But there ia som,
thing more IN life than Dan I've aaine
through either work or bushes
There 10 . high mental culture svhit
man. must attain to before he G.
take his proper place in society. Ii
higher culture has been too much Re
slected by farmers as a class. r
little courtesies that go to ma
social H. pleasant hassuasdAosnn1
tie place in the home life. All