The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-05-22

nat for number of years, but is bet
ter known as the inventor of a number
of electrical appliances. During the
past three years he resided in New
York, and while there he published his
book and worked out the details of his
eperments, which are of interest to the
world because of their novel methods
of dealing with problems of sociologic
and agricultural Importance.
Mr.. Bryan's book indicates strongly
the character of it's author He states
in its preface that it was written for
his own relief. 1t is dedicated to Iib-
erty and justice, The field Of the fable
writing is a unique one, and Robert G.
Ingersoll says that the fables in Iohn
/ Bryan's book are as good as those of
old Aesop. They are certainly calcu-
lated to breed some deep thought, and
their quaint wisdom has attracted ell
kinds of criticism from the reviewers.
After reading the book there is expect
ed from the writer something original
in the way of philanthropic effort.
AS soon as he had brought out his
book Mr.. Bryan gave himself to the
study of the sociologic conditions in
New York, Boston and the other large
eastern cities. He became filled with
despair at the existing state of civil
ization, and he began to seek for a
solution to the awful problem pre-
sented.
TO CHECK URBAN GROWTH.
Something must be done to counter
act the tendency to crowd into cities
and the consequent results of the fear
ful congestion. To the mind of this
man civilization has become self-in-
fecting and has reached it's maximum
of evolution, resulting in a fearful wave
Of pessimism which threatens society.
AS progression must go on, Mr.. BRYAN
feels that degeneration will come next
unless something is done to counteract
the tendency Of men and women to
rush to the large cities. He thinks that
sanitary and economic improvements
will retard retrogression, but not pre-
vent it. After long study the mind of
the man was made up to the belief that
the only solution of the problem was in
turning the attention of the people to
the basis of all wealth, agricultural
pursuits, its healthfulness and simplic-
ity, and to endeavor to create a senti-
ment which should somewhat counter
act the tendency of men and women to
crowd into the large cities.
To believe is, with some men, to act
In the summer of 1896 Mr.. Bryan drove
through several counties of central Ohio
in search Of a farm on which to -
some practical experiments. Near the
classical town of Yellow Springs, Greene
county. Mr.. Bryan found a place which
he thought well adapted to his purpose.
To this he removed in the autumn and
began at once to make improvements
and arrange the work to which he de-
termined to give five years of his life.
His avowed objects are TO make life on
a farm Independent and tolerable: to
see whether a number of men and wo-
men not of one family could dwell to-
gether on a farm in amity, a civilized
and equitable state, and how best to
assist in the welfare of others.
The farm chosen by Mr.. Bryan is one
which has always had a reputation for
picturesque beauty, but it's natural ad-
vantages have been greatly enhanced
by the Improvements upon which Mr..
Bryan has spent thousands of dollars,
and which are still going forward utder
his supervision. The estate consists of
$50 acres of ground, $50 of it in park,
the rest i'm tillable upland. The park is
well wooded and is situated on both
sides of the Little Miami river, which
runs through the farm for half a mile.
The entrance to the park is on the up
land, and at the entrance gate hangs
a large signboard bearing the words:
welcome. Please Keep Your Horses
off the Grass"
on the reverse side of this signboard,
read by the departing guest, is:
Come Again, and Bring the Peace of
Liberty, Justice and Gentleness, with
You"
THE MANSION HOUSE.
The house, known as the Mansion
House, is the home Of Mr.. John Bryan,
and near It are numerous sheds, barns,
cribs and other farm buildings. 1t is
a dwelling 90 the style so often seen on
large southern plantations, and has
hospitable piazzas and many windows.
1t is handsomely furnished, and at the
end of the main hall is the library apd
office where the business of the farm is
attended TO and the author-farmer sees
his guests. In frNnt Of the house is a