The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1902-08-14
THE FARMERS PIONIO."
Our Agricultural Friends Had Gala Time
Thursday. Beautiful Grasmere Thronged
With Visitors.

WIN vistUISs
To say that the farmers picnic
at Grasmere Park last Thursday
was a colossal affair is putting it
mildly. We will not estimate num-
bers, nor tell what we saw, for the
woods and picnic ground was full
of people. Nor shall we comment
upon any of the speeches except
one, later on, in this article. As
for the political complexion of the
vast assemblage, all shades of
politics were represented. So were
all the religious beliefs, creeds and
doctrines; and probably infdelity
was not less conspicuous. But it
was remarkable crowd, Of men
and women, old and young, boys
and girls and children, all bent
upon enjoyment, and apparently
all succeeded. While many people
expected to see Pattison, the demo-
cratic nominee for Governor, we
heard one person remark, that he
"had high regard for him." but
che was not his man." We are
not sure, but think that he was the
"lone republican of Jackson. SO
it is in politics the country over,
1--WE have high regard for him,
but he is not Our man." The
prominent features Of the days
exercises was the speech Of County
Superintendent Evans, whose theme
was, Rural Education" I" We
were wholly absorbed and interested
in the plan, or course he outlined,
which he proposes to pursue to the
letter, and from the tenor Of his re-
marks, he will exert every energy
at his command, to accomplish his
purpose.
He said that rural children had
better opportunities for study than
children, from the fact that
there were less fascinating attract
ions to divert their attention, to
allure and rob them of their studies.
The whole scheme, as outlined by
Mr.. Evans, seemed to us, theoreti-
cally more plausible than rractica-
Bile. Yet, if he is person of in
.domitable will, and untiring and
persevering energy, he may reach
the ideal at which he aims. If he
can withstand the clamor and pro-
tests of all classes, teachers, direct
ors, pupils and patrons that may
rise in opposition to such course,
he will accomplish a very great
work. But to fully succeed, it is
necessary that the patrons OF the
schools cooperate, by sending their
children very regularly to their re-
spective schools. And also visit
their schools frequently.
This they should do; not so much
as courtesy to the teachers. but it
is a duty they owe to their children
and the schools. Our schools are
in need Of many reforms, and it is
hoped that these reforms will be
instituted under the present admin
istration of Superintendent Evans.
Now. that Mr.. Evans has defined
his policy, let all who are interest
ed in the intellectual development
of our children, and the progress
of Our schools, put their shoulder
to the wheel and help lift our
schools to a higher state of profci-
ency. The intellectual development
of our children is of far greater
Importance than earthly treasures,
or legacies-the greatest legacy OBJ
tainable, is a first class education.
The children of our nation are the
jewels of our country, and why
shall they not be rounded and
polished by system of free educa'
ton, and become useful citizens
and ornaments to society. We
shall expect that Mr.. Evans will
be power that will count in the
progress and development of "Rural
Education" in Columbia county.
7. c. w.