The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1890-02-27

The following paper was read at the
recent meeting of Somerset Pomona
Grange, by Mrs. K. L. X Adams:
The time is past when the admission
that farmers are neglecting common liter
AZURE AMI have overlooked the value of
learning more than other classes. Ger
tainly those OF the order of z. of II are
not satisfied with their present attain.
ments, but are purposing to educate and
keep themselves Informed not only In all
that pertains TO their home affairs, but
also to knowledge of general affairs of
government thus developing = more
thorough intelligence iu all that belongs
to true citizenship, and are working for a
higher, deeper and broader education
They have put their shoulders to the
wheel with a determination that the car
Of progress shall move onward and up
ward until their aim is accomplished
which shall make them the power in soci-
ETY. and fit them for any duty 10 whatever
station OF life they may be called,
Who doubts that II our legislators were
more frequently selected from among
farmers with that rare article, good COM
mon sense, and general Intelligence, we
might have better laws made In one half
the time and at half the expense to our
tax payers.
This Order is already agitatlng the val
ne of more complete literature which
viii develop noble thoughts and senti-
mentsi are considering selections of
reading which tend to cultivate literary
tastes, quicken thought and stimulate in
vestiga,lon, while pleasant social inter
course can be enjoyed 10 the study Of
iY,fa ftrsr al f.,I IL
be a source of enjoyment all through life.
The drudgefy OF manual labor, such as
blowing, sowing, reapiug, making bread.
washing dishes, scrubbing floors, etc.
will be made easier II their thoughts are
dwelling upon something more elevating
and ennooling than mere work and prac-
teal duties.
In what situation can one receive the
value of higher and nobler development
Of the mind, II not upon the farm, sur
rounded by so many beautiful creations?
Is there any place In the wide world
where a liberal education or 4 Guilty. lted
and literary taste can be so easily acquired
IS 10 rural home, the inmates Of which
are ever living In the beauties of nature
and delightful scenery II they feel that
life Ia a field of usefulness and not toll
a.
pllshed by reading good books which will
contribute to the minds, growth, comfort
and happiness.
The organization OF the p. of II. has
brought forth the real worth of the farm
Ing community and shown their natural
abilities and good sense. The opportuni-
ties of the grange have given them better
command Of their faculties, better disci-
plined intellects. made them stronger,
broader aud clearer of vision, rounded
their natures into q more perfect SYM
metry, and set for themselves . higher
standard of thought and life.
Where there's q will there's . way
says the old proverb. II the springtime
Is backward, we fear not, for We are
assured the harvest, and seed time will
not fail. So If the farmers continue in
the course they have commenced, knowl-
edge and culture will surely follow, and q
stesdfast desire for growth In the same
will certainly bring forth its rich reward.