New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-11
STEPPING BACKWARD.

"No step backward" is. generally speaking, a
good motto Bnt I'm the words OF Mr.. Gilbert
heroine. 1T all depends: bless You. 1t all de-
pends' No step backward should ever be TAX
en-. provided the steps forward have been right.
and on right path. But suppose them 10 have
been wrong or OH wrong path. what then:
Assurelly 1t Is the part of wisdom to retracc
them. and that as speedily as possible. II may
not he pleasant Confession Of error seldom is.
1t may l,e humiliatng But in the end 1t will
be satisfactory ana profitable Only those who
have minds can change their minds. There Is
nothing more stubborn than a fool and nothing
more foolish than to he stubborn in wrong
cause.
The proposition is made 10 reorganize. or dis
organize, large part OF Kansas. Some thirty
or forty counties in the western part OF That
State were organized. il IS believed. far in al
vance Of their needs. 1t was supposed they
would become prosperous and populous agri-
cultural communities. like those in the eastern
part Of the State So county seats were estab-
llshed. End all the machinery Of county govern
ment was set up OF great expense. But the pop
ulation has never been great enough TO support
such organizations and is now growing less. since
present conditions be profiiably pursued Some
Of the counties have only 1000 or 2"" lnilab-
itants. and will have fewer by the end OF III"
year. yet they are under almost a. much cx-
pense for local government as those with 3o."o
or 10000. Such a state OF affairs Is intolerabe
so II il proposed TO abolish the present county
organizations. and merge ten Of the present coul-
ties into one large one and abandoning general
agriculture. give the country up 10 stork-ranch-
ing
This proposition IS made by Kansas men. and
IS to be practically considered by the Kansas
Legislature There is no present indication or
the action that will be taken upon il. l'ndoubt-
edly. the execution Of It would he beset with
serious difficulties. especially in the way of dis
posing Of existing county obligations. On the
other hand the scheme possesses some features
which commend it to practical business sense.
If certain tract Of country cannot support Il
sufficient population 10 maintain county or
ganizatlon. such organization should not he ef-
fected or If effected already should be aban-
doned II agriculture cannot be made 10 pay.
and stock raising can. the farms should be trains
formed into ranches One Of these days ii may
he possible by judicious forestry AMI irrigation.
to redeem the arid plains and make them veri-
table gardens: and indeed. the State will do we'll
to take steps toward that end as promptly ana
as prrsistently as possible. But until that end
Is reached there is no use in wasting strength
and money in endeavOrs that are foreloomed 10
futility.
Kansas is not solitary in her experience.
There are few States or communities tha
have not at one time or anohe: had too great
blooms and had TO suffer consequent reaction.
There are few individuals who have not made
well-meant mistakes. and been compelled to be-
gin anew and do The work over again on other
lines II may be. Of course that such reOr-
ganizatlon of Kansas political and industrial
system as is suggested is not necessary. or is not
practicable But if ii be- BOTH and She decide
10 effect IT, there will be no shame nor disgrace
in il. hui the Stale will command the cordial
sympathy of all her sister States. and their
wishes for a new and more abundant prosperity.