Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-07-07
Farm Life,

4
1t would be well for the young mer
upon the farms to-day if the idea coult
be more generally promulgated and nc
cepted that farm life is as desirable a.
any when the opportunities for enjoy
ment are grasped and appreciated, and il
would also be eminently advantageous to
the farming sections. The exodus OF
bright boys from the farms to cities has
not been caused so much by desire tC
get more money than would be possible
upon the farm as from desire for the
excitement and society afforded by city
life. The farm is all right for the bright,
ambitious and progressive boy, provid-
ing he will properly fit himself by train
ing and education for farm life. If he is
without these qualities he certainly is as
well off on the farm as anywhere, for he
will make no record anywhere. Senator
Dolliver of Iowa, in an address delivered
in Springfield, Mass, recently, advanced
striking idea ON the subject of boys,
rich and poor. Among other things he
said:
~ am saving all my sympathy for the
children of the rich. Nobody amounts
do things, and things have now become
so arranged in this world that nobody
does anything unless he has to. If /
knew a man in this audience who had
500, 900, and boy, if he would take the
advice of passing traveller, would say
to him to keep the two as far apart as
possible. Ii will be better for the boy
and better for the 100000. 1t will be
far better for the man to place his money
in some philanthropic or educational
institution, from which large number
can get the benefit for years afterward,
and the boy will be much better off to
fight the same battles which his father
has had to fight"
In the course of the address Senator
Dolliver referred TO the experience on
western tour with President Mckinley
and his cabinet. five governors of western
states and twenty or more representative
men, and when census of the company
was taken it was found that everyone of
them began life upon the farm and in
some instances followed it until called
to the positions occupied by them at
that time. Their ambition and energy
was displayed in their work upon the
farm and resulted in grasping oppor-
tunities that came in their way, extend
ing their influence and power. Real
merit will count upon the farm as well
as elsewhere, and when put to the test
will assert the rights of its possessor.
Ii has been we'll said that the farm can
not keep back bright, active boy;
neither can the city push forward
Ounce.
1t is, however, the advantages of farm
life and farming as an occupation that
we have specially in mind at this time.
As we have previously stated, there are
good reasons why young man OF good
ability should engage in farming that
are not always given due consideration
in making the choice of a life occupation.
The electric roads, rural telephones, ru-
ral mail delivery and various other con-
veniences, with the probable extension
Of these and other improvements, 90 far
towards removing the isolation of farm
life, which in past years has been its
chief objection to young men. When
we add to these the recent developments
in AGRICULTURAL science and the oppor-
tunities for mental exercise in the study
Df agriculture as applied to ones farm,
IS we'll as the operation of improved
farm machinery adapted to nearly all
farm operations, we see the high posi-
ton in the social and intellectual scale
that the farmer may occupy II he Will
make the effort to attain it.
We are presenting this matter in the
iobt of the present condition of affairs
IN order that young men on the farms
about choosing an occupation may not
Iail to realize the change that has come
INTO the occupation of the farmer IN re-
cent wears. We do not argue that farm
no affords very great opportunities for
large amounts OF money,
but the opportunity to lead an lndePeho-
ant and healthy life among the beau
lies and dealing with the forces OF nature
more than compensates for any depri-
sations in that matter. The tendency
% look at farming in favorable llght,
and TO engage in it, is growing among
he intelligent people who have previous
" been engaged in other occupations
md surrounded by the conditions OF
,ity life. 1t would be for the general
welfare of New England if this tendency
,ould become still more general and the
recent changes in farm life more gener-
,lly appreciated. Our agricultural col
eGes can do much in promoting TINS
sentiment and in still farther populariz-
ng farm life by an earnest effort to train
young men for progressive and success
ful career as farmer. When this mas
,eep done we will have the greatest
impetus given to reiuvenating New Eng
and farm life that could be given by
sny agency, and many young men who
otherwise would drift to cities to engage
in the most obscure occupations wOuid
be induced to lead an honorable and M
fiuential life upon the farm, and thereby
add to the general welfare OF the COM
munity at large. If the farmers them
selves would preach these sentiments 10
their boys there would be less abandon
ed farms and more happiness ana pros
perity for all concerned.