Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1897-1902, 1899-02-10
FARMERS INSTITUTE.
THE INSTITUTE OPENED WITH
A FAIR ATTENDANCE.
Mayor Jones Welcomes Them to the
City-SOme Able Papers Read which
Presented Thoughts of Practical Value
to all Tillers of the Soil.

1ne arller Institute opened Neu-
nesday with an attendance of about
one hundred. Chairman Vanguilder
called the meeting to order and the pro-
gram was entered upon Immediately.
Rev. Thornberry pronounced the invo-
cation which was ELOQUENT and well
suited to the occasion. Mayor Jones
then stepped to the front and gave the
address of welcome. He attempted
nothing out of bis line but talked on
the political moves of the past year
showing what an effect they had on ag-
riculture. He pointed out that the ex-
ports had been abnormal during the
past few years and warned the farmers
of tendencies now at work to make it
normal. In the meanwhile he wove in q
neat and compact history of the Anglo
Hispanian war touching with patriotic
ardor upon Manila and Santiago.
The next number on the program " as
a response from Peter Helm but owing
to an unfortunate illness he was not
there to take his part.
Mr.. Geo. jenkins, of Newton county,
came forward with his paper, "Aids to
Success in Farmers Institutes The
paper was thoughtful and contained
good advice throughout. Often times
he would cease reading and give an eX.
temporaneous opinion or explanation
or an Illustration of some part of the
subject matter. This served to dispel
all mODOtODy which is often found
when long papers are read. He touched
upon things required for farmer to be
successful. In the first place he must
have general agricultural education.
Most farmers can not afford to take
such course in college. JudIcious
reading, and above all The institute,
must be substituted for such course.
To be in every way a successful farmer
one must know the best mode of har.
vesting and marketing; he must have d
knowledge of different soils and the ell
ements which produce them. lie should
keep in mind the competition in other
states, IN other countries too. He should
watch carefully the market reports of
Siberia, of India, of the Argentine Re
pIblic in South America and learn to
estimate therefcom whether wheat and
other products will be high or low next
year; governing his own farming there
by. Whether successful or not depends
on his ability to solve these problems
| The success of the institute must de-
pend upon several things, some of
which are enumerated:
l. Officers must influence farmers
to attend. 1t is sad when one must
speak to empty chairs, when the infer
nation gwen is invaluable and means
dollars to any tiller of the soil.
2. The program should be suitable.
Subjects should be of general interest.
Ladies should receive recognition.
a. The workers and topics assigned
should be suited to each other. Dc not
put any one on the program because he
has an almighty lot of CAB. Consider
what he Is capable of doing.
b. Do not neglect the placing of
young farmers on the program.
3. Have the meeting place we'll
lighted and comfortable.
4. Advertise the meeting. Use the
newspapers, talk it. avail yourselves of
posters and programs by the hundreds.
5. Farmers should carry q note book
and pencil; otherwise some of the best
information you get is lost.
z. Keep perfect order. Each speaker
should make himself heard.
8. Cooperate with the town. If
town people restrain themselves from
your institute do not hsrbor resentment
but invite them in.
Q. Tne press, minis' ers, school teach.
ers, ETC.. should be cordially welcomed
and invited TO do their share.
TO- Organize local agricultural socie
ties.
AT Jne close or the 60QreS6 Chalrm8n
Vangilder called for remarks.
Robert Erwin arose and emphasized
the last proposition concerning the or
ganization Of local societies. His ex.
perience was that they not only helped
the institute from the mental side, but
fostered sociability and created kind,
neighborly feeling toward one another.
At 1:30 Wednesday afternoon large
audience was in attendance at the Far
mers' Institute. No time was lost in
proceeding with the program The
paper entitled "Corn Culture from Seed
TO Crib" was worthy essay and was
briu. full of useful hints. Those who