The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1905-05-06
FOR BETTER FARM HANDS.
LaneasLer [Pa.l Egaminer.

One of our Western contemporaries is starting
an agitation for better farm hands. 1t believes
in Identifying the position so as to attract good,
clean men who can be taken into farmers
home and associate with his family. 1t says:
"Just now when farmers are hiring hands for
farm work and paying good wages, big, stout
fellows are offering their service and do not I'M
derstand why they are not accepted when farm
ers are doing without the help they so much
need. Young man. allow me to be plain and l
will tell you. The farmer that hires man must
in most cases take his hand into his family and
give him home for the time of service. In most
cases these homes are splendid places for young
man. Plenty of healthful food, good cooking,
good bed and all that goes with our best country
homes and let us say right here that today
nothing offers to young man fairer remunera-
ton, considering the healthful surroundings of
the country. than farm work. Now, for your
part and the reason you have been turned down.
Examine yourself for this and see If you are the
proper fellow for these nice homes. Has the
farmer ever heard about you being drunk that
timer What can you do with that old pipe OF
yours? VIII you have to stop and roll cigar
cite while the boss gets to the field ahead of
you? Then in the evening the girls play on the
piano in the parlor and you are invited In with.
that quarter of plug in one sideof your mouth
and no place to spit. Our best farmers are rails
ing families that they are proud of and who are
to become the foremost citizens of that country
Now, young man, are you good company for the
farmers children1 The farmer wants good
grain to feed his stock and also good language
for his children. He is looking for young man
who can use good language. He prefers one
that has gone to school, and above all one that is
not vulgar and does not swear. He has no use for
cigarettes on a farm and would rather his hand
that associates with his boys would not use to-
bacco In any form. You say he is Shocking for an
angel, and say he is looking for a young man
with good common sense and that is all. Sorry
to say in most cases our farmer fails to find
hand and the big fellow loafs about our villages.
But It is better for the farmer If some OF his
fields lie idle or grow to weeds than to sow in
his family the vulgar, low and vicious habits of
some of our young friends who say they want to
work on farm"
Now there is a good deal in that which applies
to Lancaster county, and, indeed, every section
of the farming community. A great many big.
rugged fellows drift to the city because they de-
sire its rougher associations, its company, its
designations and its supposed excitement. But
without doubt there is a class that go to towns
because the farmer hesitates to employ them in
the country and have them constantly in con-
tact with a growing family. Farm labor Is,
therefore, scarce from two causes. No employer
expects an angel. but the farmer more than any
one else wishes the man who lives In his family
to have the homely virtues and good common
sense, Enough has been said. We give this
Western view for the personal consideration of
all whom It may concern.