New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-17
THE RURAL MENACE.
FARM V4LUES WAY DOWN.
n. Y. Land Falls off $170,00O, 900,
Say agriculture Dept. Erperts.

Department Of Agriculture has revealed an
alarming decrease in farm land valuation in
New York State which is not far short of a
menace TO the welfare of the commonwealth.
startling figures are presented, which show an
enormous loss in wealth and population in the
states rural districts, and a CONSEQUENT weak
enlng of social and political influence
according TO the reports of the government in
spectors- the country is being absorbed by the
city with the result that farm lands have de-
creased $1T0,O00000 in value; that more than
l2OOO farms have been abandoned: that the
population of the more remote towns and VIII
lages has. in several instances, decreased 40 10
90 per cent
The comparisons made with the states
agricultural prosperity in the early SOS In
some districts land values have decreased since
theh nearly 80 per cent The 1900 abandoned
IaFlns IN the state capable of caring for
population OF 10000 and represent an area of
1-'VooUo acres, most of which is arabic land
The national. government inspectors who
have been engaged in investigating this subject
declare officially that these farms have been
abandoned because of lack of fertility. For the
last twenty years the cities have fascinated
the imagination of country people that the
farmers sons and daughters and those who for
mery would have become farm hands have
abandoned the soil To their parents In many
districts all of the farmers of ad-
vanced age. AS fast as these die the farms be-
come Untenanted sold for little nothing
70 the less vigorous and venturesome of the
younger generation become the property of
wealthy men, who join them into large estates.
The total land values OF New York State
amount TO little billion dollars. This is
exclusive OF machinery. cattle, etc. Land has
risen in value in the immediate neighborhood
Of the cities. while it has materially decreased
IN value in the remote country districts the
Of decrease being in inverse ratio TO the distance
from the city.
John A. Stewart. president OF the League of
Republican Clubs of New York State, said yes
terday that the league In its general committee
meetings had discussed the question. but had
hesitated 10 take action because efforts its
part would be stamped political.
STATE CONVENTION TO PLAN REMEDY.
The calling of state convention" said Mr.
Stewart. TO consider the abandoned farms the
want Of farm labor. the enormous falling off IN
the wealth and population of the villages and
the upsetting Of the natural and safe balance
between country and city is soon to take place.
Plans 10 build up agriculture, TO extend the
schools in each OF the country Congressional
districts and TO teach the country boy Aow TO
Eake more money on the farm than ne can
make in any Office in New York City will be
discussed. Itsis not a political move Tor the
question is much broader than any political or
ganization party. The league has adopted =
resolution calling on the Legislature 20 take
Immediate action in the interest Of farmers. and.
therefore,, Of the population Of the entire COM
nunity.''
The report made By the investigators OF the
Department of Agriculture for use at this state
convention follows:
The United States Department OF Agriculture a
few weeks ago inaugurated plans for the regerera
lion and the upbu!iding Of the abandoned and de-
populated farms Of New York "a work long neg
lected BY The state) and state officials should at
least lend helping hand 90 the department OFF,
Gals VINO aoW il the agricultural districts Of
the state. insure The success Of this very m
mendable work.
For the .ast few weeks Jay 4. Bonsteel and w.
z Carr. tyTo experts from the bureau Of soils Of
the Agricultural Department have been in the
agricultural districts Of New York making soil
Teys and carefully Investigating -he question Of
The causes Of farm depOpuiGdon and decreased
farm values with view % formulating means
"hereoy the abandoned and partially abandoned
tar1as may be TePopUlated and the deprecated
values enhanced.
The reason FOR the depopulat!on and heavily de-
creased values in farms the since 1880
is not because of any deterioration OF soil, but is
due, rather. TO the migration of the village and
country population TO the cities and Western
states, which began in the middle S1s. and TO
tie lack Of any action by the state to encourage
the reclamation Of the abandoned and depopulated
farms II something IS not done by the state
% encourage the upbuilding Of the agricultural
districts slight increase in wealth and population
manifested IN the Iast three years making the
present tine opporture Tor such actoTl-the oppoF-
tunity VIII be lost and the state Of the farmer
VIII again lapse into the unfortunate condition in
which II has been since the SOS. with the pros
pect that the conditions VIII become worse than
hey were during the census taking Of 1900.
TIe surveys and investigation which are still be-
Ing made b. Aessra. Bonsteel and Carr cover an
area Of about twenty counties, embracing par
uc2-arly the nlair agricultural territory OF the
state The counties include 8rOome. Madison.
Chemung, Cortland. Tlosa. TOmplsns. Chenango.
schuyler Yates. AEeg2ny. and Livingston.
one of the methods for the upbC!ldlng of the
farms c. the state, which the investigators pur-
pose trying. is q tour b. them Of the agricultural
districts in DeceUIbsr. accompanied by offics!
q TIE State Department oe Agriculture, in which
they viii give Illustrated lectures how to make
farming d paying iprestment in the state, for what
crops the soil is hest adapted and how 10 begin
Tie work OF reJuveHatins the farms.
PLAN TO INSTRUCT SELECTED FARMERS.
After this is accomplished they purpose selecting
farne. in every school district in the state- hav
ing him choose a ten or twenty farm follow
Ag absolutely the Instructions Of the department !
experts as 10 soil management and genera! farm
'hg' and then letting the results OF the work Of
these selected farmers act example to other
farmers Of the state This plan. IL Is expected.
VII result the first year in several million dollars
Increase IN the farm values Of the state
Since 1880 there has been an alarming decrease IN
i@in wealth and population in New York State
HAlch continued until about three years ago. Since
men there has been a slight increaEe in wealth.
iEe SOL practically good and fertile three
years Il was hfty years before. and Il was
q valuable then II Is now: and recent soil sur
Nfys Of over twenty counties demonstrate that the
Avl Of the farming territory OF New York is fer
e rs that any other section Of the country, with
He exception. perhaps OF the Western corn belt
Sha the low lands Of the South. The results Of the
soA surveys and investigation are most encour-
s4hs and prove beyond question that with govern
49, ana state aid and assistance the fariIls OF
-,e" York can within few years be made 10 be
valuable. fertile (for certain crops, and as
"osperoua any section in the country
WIN the small increase in farm wealth recorded
~ The last three yoars, the time IL now ripe for
eHne action by tic state TO encourage this wei