The Florida star., 1905-03-31
HAGcARD's NEW QUEST
English Novelist's Sociological
Mission For His Government.
70 vIsIT INDUSTRIAL COLONIES

Azshs<'. Obsecf In Amsrtcs In 60
the Pser Frs. Cssss. 90 the Coaa-
sry-whss the Vacant Lets Calti-
vsstsa work In PhiiaaefDhsa Has
Dsss Eer the Needy.
III. Rider Haggari. the English nov
elist. who has come 10 the United
States on a sociological mission for the
British government. recently visited
Philadelphia TO investigate the work of
the Philadelphia Vacant Lots Cultlva-
tson association. He was accompanied
by his daughter. his private secretary
and r. =. Powell, superintendent OF the
garden work Of the Philadelphia Va
can't Lots Cultivation association They
were met by Joseph FeIs. one OF the
most active directors OF the association.
and were driven TO the Bingham House.
Gays the Philadelphia Press
MY object In coming to PhiladeE
Jhia." Mr.. Haggard said. Is 20 learn
about the work Of your Vacant Lots
Cultivation association I came to
America to inquire into the conditions
and character OF the Industrial colonies
srgarized In this country by the Saliva
ton Army with q view OF applying the
scheme to South Africa. The greatest
possibilities for colonization have been
opened In South Africa. In England
there is much congestion. especially
among the poor. One OF the greatest
problems which civilization has had 10
face In how TO help men and women
on the land and prevent them from con-
Rreaating In the city. where the condi-
lions are % much harder and unhenith-
Ter In every respect Men and women
born into this wide world can only md
the best that 10 In life who live out
their lives amid the sights and sounds
of nature, and he who can show the
way TO turn the Cow back To the land
will do a great service 90 humanity.
For years I have realized the impor-
tanee Of thIs-
The allurements Of city life-iance
halls, theaiers and the hope OF making
fortunes-cause the young people To
flock from the country 60 the city To
check this fiow it VIII te necessary to
create a counter attraction in the cOun
Try Ia give the people an interest that
comes from ownership I'm the laDd-
Those who come TO the city from the
country usually make their condition
worse. While they are still young
they may not realize this. but when
they grow older they ind their PHsi
tions iliezi by younger people. and they
become dependent upon public charity
There were $4,000 persons on the poor
rates In London last year"
Later In the afternoon Mr.. Haggari
was the guest of Franklin b. KIRK
bride st hts home In spruce street.
where The author met the directors of
the Philedelphis Vacant Lots Cuittva
sion association and listened with deti'
interest 60 an account which Sup~rin-
t<ndens Powell gave of its work
amonR tire poor Of Philadelphia
suprrinsendeut PoweIl's r~Scital was
Illustrated By q number Of stereopt
con pictures. showing vacant lots IN
der cultivation in Philadelphia. views
af men. women and chihircu at wOrS
On the vegetable gardens. etc one %
the pictures shown WAS that OF
tweive-year-old girl who bad been CIV
an A quarter acre los to cultivate and
s.aid $lss worth Of Vegetables. besides
supplying Der family Her invAih "a
tfser. wao assisted her. Was 50 IN
proved I'm health by outdoor life tnA'
he was able 20 return TO work An
other picture showed part Of . ans
acre farm which bad been leSsed oy
sizAfe~n familSes who were graduates
.cs tn~ vacant lot cpitivstioe And Enf
dispssed % 5000 worth OF vesesaele-
n cae season
Nr. Hazard asked number OF cue.
items daring Superintendent Po~ ~eis
r~m.rks He wanted 20 know WherS