The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1901-03-14
COUNTRY BOYS.
What They are Worth to the
World,
THEIR GOOD CHANCE.

! THEIR GOOD CHANcE.
Mrs. FELTON, in Atlanta Journal.
The towns and cities are being con-
SANITY replenished by an influx OF
country-raisei boys. This is good for
the towns, bu: bad for the country.
1t is fact worthy of note that our
| great men in public affairs, in finance
and in the church were country raised
boys.
Perhaps reason may be found in
the early rising, regular habits, outdoor
life, and active pursuits of country
boys. These particular advantages
tond to sound lungs, sound sleep, civ
ing better chance to build up strong
body with its usual attendant, a strong
mind.
The boy eats simpler fare-ea more
regularly, and is not on the streets at
the late hours of night, because he is
generally tired and gets off to bed and
enjoys his rest.
A distinguished university presi-
dent in California says his farm educa-
ton was exceedingly valuable to him.
The health, the freedom, the mas
terry OF horse, the robust exercise of
farm life, he thought Indispensable to
the making oil, physical and mental
manhood.
Hon. John Wanamaker, the great
merchant prince of Philadelphia and
New York, says the country boy has
in great excess superior advantages in
the benefits of healthy atmosphere,
simple, wholesome food, and regular
hours of sleep.
"Frcedcm from the temptations
which beset city youth on every side,
lurlng the latter to destruction and
ruin, the country boy finds his joy and
recreation in rational enjoyments,
|
greet. Thus he prepares the foundation
of vigorous constitution and good
health on which to build his life"
The late governor of Indiana, Hon.
James S. Mount, wrote as follows:
II would that the country boy could
know and appreciate his advantages.
Personal experience intensiies my In
terest in the country boy. Having ex-
perienced myself the privations and
hard work OF the country boy, never
haying penny to spend that did not
earn and but few hours that I could
appropriate for that purpose, what I
deemed hardship then, in the light
of experience I now view as blessing
for in this school OF economy and pa
tent drudgery I was obtaining the
needed education to success. These
environments did not abate by en-
thusiasm, but only tended to increase
energy / was learning self-reliance
and will-power, for I knew unaided I
must fight the battle of life. Under
such tutelage obstacles became step
ping-stones to higher levels.
ain conclusion, word to country
boys. Don't grow weary of your lot !;
a change to the gayety of the city will
be worse for you. Patient toll is the
road to true success. Be industrious,
be economical, be hopeful; aim high,
don't chew or smoke, or drink intoxi-
cants stand for nobility of character,
and you will win honor and success.
A student of nature working in har-
mony with the god of nature.
"The farmers life is the sweetest, the
farthest removed from the turmoils Of
strife, and the nearest to God OF any
vocation. I rejoice in the anticipation
of the restful quiet Of my country
home when shall be permitted to lay
aside public duties, cares and response
billties, and return to the home which
represents long years OF toll and hope
full struggle"
Just few weeks ago this enthusiastic
lover Of country life died suddenly. be-
fore he had opportunity to return to
the cherished spot which he longed fol
with fond desire and expectation.
| There is no time or space at this
writing to tell of the country raised
boys that found their way into the
highest positions in the land. Lincoln
and Garfield came up from the hum
blest ranks of struggle and poverty to
the presidents position-both were
country raised boys. Henry Clay was
known far and wide as the mill boy
of the slashes."
j Country boys who may chance to
read this article should remember
there is nothing to bar the way to emil
nent positions In learning, in wealth
and craftsmanship, but the lack Of en-
ergy and perseverance.
"Where there is will, there is a