Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-29
Doubts RooseveIt's Plan.

doubts Rooseveits Elan.
Orrin Gilbert of Middletown, Conn,
prominent granger and successful
farmer. says: Il believe in helping a
man that tries to help himself. The
American farmer Is one of the most in
dependent men in the country and sim
ply asks TO be treated equally with
other men. Help given the farmer
through state agricultural experiment
stations AID the government ag-icultur-
nj department in combating diseases,
the study of insect pests and expert
ments with many varieties is u good
thing, but TO so beyond this would be
likely to have taint of patronage and
would be detrimental to, the best in.
terests of the farmersa and would be re-
scented by the most of them. be-
lieve in the betterment of the farmer,
as 1t would tend to the betterment of
the nation. but think that President
Roosevelts plan would not be for the
best rs understand it from the press
Wants Potato Bugs Killed Off.
The general sentiment of the farmers
en- the east end of Long Island seems
to be against the principles Of Presi-
dent Roosevelt in advocating the sani-
tary Improvements on the farms.
Frank Thilburg, who has a farm at
East Marion. says: Il believe that
President Roosevelt's suggestion to-
ward Improving the condition on the
| farms is grand, good thing. Insects
of various descriptions are fast de-
| stroying the crops of brussels sprouts
and cauliflower between East Marion
and Riyerhead. Our cucumbers are in
u pitiful condition. What about the
potato blight? What we want is to
have men from the agricultural de-
partment sent down here to look over
our farms and find out how we can get
rid of the pests There is plenty of
money spent in the agricultural de-
partment Why not spend some in this
way?"
| None Happier Than Farmers.
Madison county Qnd.) farmers almost
unite that Roosevelt is not familiar
with farm life of today and disagree
with him that they could be happier
and more sanitary. Jerome Brown,
county commissioner and successful
farmer, said:
/ "Roosevelt's idea might have applied
to some of the country years ago, but
not today. We live well, and none is
happier than farmers Sanitary condi-
tons Of farm homes are, as a rule, bet
ter than 10 per cent of homes in any
city. Most families on farms have
more rest and recreation and are
healthier than townspeople. Our death
rate is lower than In cities, and sui
cides are rare in rural districts. There
Is also less of race suicide"
Takes Bath When Needed.
Howard d. Trease. speaking of Cedar
Creek township. In Indiana, said:
II don't know anything about the
farmers in other states or parts. but
guess we in Indiana are managing to
take pretty good care of ourselves. If
President Roosevelt could do some
thing to. better the condition. of our
crops II would be more 10 the point. |
ldon't believe could ever get used to
blowing corn in swallowtailed coat
lor milking the cows In plug. hat.
When my horses balk ] usually maui
them with a clapboard. although il
|tnlght he more according to the rule of
etiquette to read them few stan as
from Browning.
Ny notion is that the president
icould find plenty to do If he'd try his
reforms ON a lot OF congressman from
the cities. The country congressman