Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-12-12

years, abandoned forg"S are kindlod
anew. manufacturers are unable to FIJI
orders, and transportation facilities. ex-
tonsive as they are. become clogged. Ag-
r!culturo furnishes tho handspring Of in
dustrial activity.
MAGNITUDE OF AGRICULTURAL
RESOURCES.
TIE agricultural resources OF the coun-
try are of great magnitude and the soil
and climate are adapted to the production
OF a great variety of crops. The cotton
fields Of the South the grain fields Of tho
Central West, the grazing of the noun
tain States. the fruit orchards OF tho
Pacific coast and the greenhouses Of
New England are among the most ex-
tensive and the most productive in the
world Figures representing the volume
and selling value OF he products of
these are great as to convey no ade-
quate Information. and vet the limit OF
production has not even been approached.
with the development Of irrigation and
the adoption of intensive agriculture tho
farms of the United states can furnish
the food products for the people OF the
entire world. The possibilities of agrlcul-
ture are almost unlimited and are quite
beyond our power Of comprehension.
Those who represent you Mt Montpelier,
and those who represent us all at Wash
ington. should understand that In The
degree IN which agriculture is fost"red
general prosperity will he promoted ard
neglect of agriculture will he surely fol-
lowed hy deCeneracy and decay In the
nation. Agriculture is the basis, and not
a by-product, of American industries.
II we study the history OF the nations
Of the world Alright. we will '-arn that
as agriculture has been fostered prosper
ity has prevailed. Japan, France and
Germany are striking examples Of this
principle and mention might be made
OF those IN the other class II our own
country reaches and maintains a leading
position among the nations Of the world
Il will be through fostering care of its
agricultural industry. rather than in the
expenditure OF extravagant sums oc
money upon military equipment.The real
strength Of nation consists not in
great standing armies and magnificent
battleships, but in the prosperity of its
agriculture.
Speaking broadly. I will say that our
government has exercised great liberality
towards the agricultural industry. n
supports a department of agriculture OF
a comprehensive nature unexcelled among
the nations OF the world. Its agents
| reach the uttermost corners OF tho earth
| for seeds and plants that will Increase
the productiveness Of our farms and Sc
cure parasites that will feed upon and
destroy Injurious Insects. The increas SO
| in the appropriation for experiment sta
tions and the more recent increase in tho
appropriation for agricultural colleges.
aggregating nearly two millions dollars
annually. Is evidence OF its appreciation
OF the Importance of developing aEricul-
ture. The appropriation made by States
| for making these funds available amount
to several million dollars annually, while
| the educational and executive work sup
ported by States in the interest of agrI-
culture represents the expenditure Of vast
| sums OF money. The members OF the
great national farmers organization, the
| Grange, which has within Its jurisdiction
greater possibilities FOR tho welfare Of
the farmers and the development of ru-
raj affairs than any voluntary organiza-
| ton in the history Of the world are con-
| tribut,ng more than million dollars an
nually for carrying on its grand work
which is securing marvellous results
PROBLEM OF TODAY.
| The great problem before us is now
| to induce farmers to make these great
| facilities available. Richly endowed col
| leses OF agriculture are OF little benefit
unesi farmers will send their sons to
be educated. Millions OF experiment sta
| ton bulletins amount to but little unless
| farmers will read and profit by them. The
best organized farmers institute system in
| the world will avail nothing unless farm
ers will attend and put the instruction CIV
given In practice upon their farms Tholar
| est Grange can accomplish but little for
| to attend its meetings. No college or sta
ton, or institute, or Grange can do for
the farmers that which they must do for
| themselves, although these may help
| them do It. one OF the most encouraging
signs OF the times is the general interest
among the people in all these agencies
for the buildings devoted To their pur-
poses are scarcely large enough to ac-
commodate those who desire admission
There Is Il tremendous awakening among
the agricultural people OF the country
that means much for the future develop-
| ment OF agriculture and OF the nation.
II is unnecessary. and even presuning
| to speak of the importance OF energetic
| ana Intelligent effort for success In agri-
| culture in this great agricultural State.