The evening times., 1899-03-15
CONDITION OF THE
FARMER OF TODAY
Testimony by the Patrons of
Husbandry President.
PrOnounces Labor-Saying Machin.
cry Benefit.
General Improyement of the Asri.
cultural Classes-A CO-Ope-
ratiVe Spirit.

The Industrial Commission yesterday
heard testimony relative to the condition
of the farmer Arran Jones, of South
Bend, Ind, the President of the National
Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, was the
witness of the day. His testimony was OF
considerable value as he, through his po-
sition as president of the grange and be-
ing practical farmer has had ample op-
portunity to study the questions arising
in the condition of the farmers especially
in his State.
He stated that in his section of the
country there has been a large increase in
the number of agriculturists within the
past fifty years, there being a large growth
in proportion TO the population. When
asked what the effect of the introduction
and perfection of laborsaving machinery
has been upon the farmer, he stated that
these new devices have not lessened the
number OF laborers, but have lessened the
arduous character of the work. A man in
order to be farmer does not have to be
as muscular as he did years ago when
everything was done by hand.
He discussed at some length the causes
of irregularity among this class of people.
It was his conclusion that there is dis
tinct tendency among those who hire labor
10 make provision LOT keeping tntlr EN-
ployes through the entire year.
Mr. Jones thought that great improve
ment in the condition of farmers over that
of forty or fifty years ago has taken place.
They have better homes, better wages and
better food. In fact they have improved in
every way, he said. The hours of work
have decreased and from the present out
look will continue TO grow less.
Upon being asked whether the discomfort
among the American farmers which has
been so widely reported during the past
few years was true, he replied that as far
as his observation extended he thought that
these allegations were untrue and that con-
trary conditions exist. The farmers are be-
ginning TO recognize that their condition is
superior to that of those of other pursuits
They now believe that they make more
money and have more hours OF leisure than
those engaged in other callings. This, the
witness thought, was brought about by
closer study on the part OF the farmers
of the conditions under which other labor
ing classes are forced to work.
Mr. Jones said that in his judgment, tht
indications Enthusiastically point TO an in
creasing desire on the part Of the farm la
borers TO cooperate more fully with theiI
employees This is showing itself especial
| ly in the matter of renting lands. There !:
a disposition among the owners of farm
| lands. said the witness, TO employ perma-
nently men who have been found trust
worthy.
Mr.. Jones said that there are a great
many foreigners In Indiana and In the ma
! jority of cases they are better educated
| than the native Americans The greater
/ number OF the aliens in his State. he SAID
were Germans and Poles. Among thes,
people there is disposition toward colo
nization. They settle in q community an(
| establish their own schools, teaching tht
| children the language of their native
country. These people are invariably fru
gal and prosperous. They generally be-
come American citizens.
The witness said that the American far
mers cannot compete with the foreigner!
as they compel their children at an earl!
age 10 work in the fields and about th'
farm He said that there is less intem
| perance among agriculturists than for
merly. This fact he attributed to a great
| er feeling of respect for himself and fam
lily which has sprung up in the mind o
the individual. There is also, he said, les
loaing about the country stores than il
the past.
He said that taxation is burning
question among the farmers of his State
/ receiving benefits proportional to tn
amounts which they pay. The witnes
then went on to explain the system o
taxation in vogue in Indiana and the fgh
! which the farmers have made toward com
pelling the railroads to pay their jus
share of the taxes.