The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-12-07

science are coming to see that the farm
constitutes a magnificent domain ior
intellectual conquest.
Every branch of farming is organic
ing. not only by states, but In a ma
tional way. to promote specific knowi-
edge and a wholesome sense OF nation
al interdependence. Never before in
the history of this nation has there
been witnessed such an awakening OF
Intellectual activities. such a marshall
ling OF invention. physical research
chemistry n cognate sciences, educa-
ton and legislation. all in behalf oil
the American farmer. as at the present
time.
We are just beginning to feel as a
people that agriculture Is an intellect
ual as well as manual pursuit.. that
from the humblest tenant TO the lord
Hest ranchman. progress and proht de-
pend on mental comprehension OF the
principles involved. and an energetic
obedience to hat comprehension. Com
p~rehension means intellect. obedience
means business. Some men are all In
tellect inc no work: others all work
and no intellect. The true farmer
unites both. He is both a student and
"doer of the word"
Some of the questions for this farm
ers' congress to ask OF itself are:
What can we do i'm an organized way
to help emancipate this great business
of farming from a lack OF comprehen-
sion? What can we do to get the far
mers of this continent to see the neces-
sity OF more intellect On the farm How
can we contribute as a force, To the
emancipation OF the farm from the
wasteful effects of ignorance. and help
put In its place the energizing and en-
riching influences of knowledge? In
other word, what car we do to promote
farm education? what can this con-
gress do to promote wise legislation in
the state and national legislatures to
this end? h can this congress 90
as a great force to arrest the tendency
/ of the American farmer to destroy the
natural fertility of his farm? What
can we do to arouse public opinion and
the great educational forces OF the
| country to the Importance OF teach
ing the elements OF agriculture In the
primary schools of the land? Our pres
ent system OF agricultural education rs
an image with a read of brass, a body
OF iron, and feet of clay. We are d.
recting all our energies to the head and
not the feet.
our common schools recruit the acad-
envy, the college and the university, and
they, in turn. recruit every profession
but farming. Our young men flee TO
the towns and cities because we have
educated them TO do so. Nearly every
European country Is putting forth
strenuous effort to stop this tendency
by teaching the elements of scientific
agriculture In the common schools. III
can be done as easily a. the teaching
of the elements of scientific arithmetic,
or chemistry. or philosophy. A great
host of farmers who were deprived OF
such teaching. now find themselves
barred from an understanding of much
of agricultural literature. AS a conse-
ouence. they urn away from the agri-
cultural college. the bulletin or the ex-
perfment station and the farm paper.
that Is really worth anything to them.
Had these men been taught in their
youth I'm the common schools. the mean
ing Of the terms used In agricultural
chemistry. something of the principles
of animal ~husbandry, something OF the
true principles which underlie the pre-
servation Of fertility, they would be.
to-day. in much more harmonious re-
ation with all hat constitutes agricul-
tural progress. May we not hope ina,
his congress viii create a sentiment
that will greatly help along the need
ed educational reform.
The Farmers National congress Is a
patriotic body. The meaning OF patriot
ism is self-sacrifice. Without sacrifice,
there can be no patriotism.
The very fact hat you have assem-
bled here. many from a great distance,
and at your own expense, gives proof
of your public spirit. your anxiety to
benefit the cause Of agriculture ana al
your practical patriotism. The coun-
try needs such patriotism. To ina
must we look for the extinction of cor
ruption in politics. the promotion ol
honest government, the suppression 81
crime, the encouragement of honest IN.
dustry and a just reward to b al
well as capital.
Evolution.
Like all other lines Of human though
and action. the American farmer and
his farm are going through a process
of evolution. The manufactures feel
IL. and his capital and enterprise car
hardly keep pace with coming changes
craftsmanship feels IT,. for new and aim
Gull problems OF government
constantly present themselves. ant
how to keep center and circumference
i'm h~armonizing growth Is the ROLLER
of the day. The railroad magnate feel
IL, and must bow to Ii. Grim Usage
war" bears no longer the same "wrin
killed. front" though his terrors are N
less.