The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-03-23
FROH OTHER PENS
VALUE OF THE HEN.

The farmers of the middle and far
west wrestle with indifferent soil and
battling weather, the traders in the
Chicago 'tpit" fleece each other and
the wheat crop. Meanwhile, the
cackle of the great American hen is
heard from Palm Key to Nome-the
cause Of the cackle bringing in each
year larger wealth than the per-
spiration Of the wheat farmer and
men on change who kindly under
take to sell his product. The fact is
not generally recognized, but it is
bedrock. The hen Is such a common
thing, so prevalent, so of0-fash1oned'
that we do not think Of her as
source of millions upon millions OF
| dollars.
Yet the egg industry f1ourishes-
and must f1ourish-when corn and
wheat are bringing rock bottom
prices. There is always a money
market for the product Of the poul-
trv yard, no man can corner the crop
and its upbringing does not involve
a fraction of the expense and anxiety
incident to supplying the country
with it's great basic dividends Of the
soil. There are gratifying evidences
that the southern farmer has not been
renniss in following up his advantages
along this line. The old reliable
"dominecker" still fiourishes, but by
it's side are fast appearing the finer
and more remunerative breeds in
barnyards from Virginia to Texas. No
reason exists, however, why the far
mer of the south should not double
or Quadruple his income in this di-
rection. A little patient study of the
question in it's details, investment of
money that would otherwise be
squandered on passing luxuries-and
he can add a side line to his activities
hot jIO1 nf a
in solving the annual problem of the
growing bank account.--Atlanta Con-
stitution.
THE NATURE OF POLITICS.
If we could get back to the true idea
of politics-a branch of civics that
treats of the principles of civil govern
ment and the conduct Of state affairs
what rare good fortune would come
to the people! But We have been &C
customed to another kind, the bicker-
ing, quarrelsome kind; the self-seeking
kind; the kind that is apt to regard
principles as sort of paw to rake the
chestnuts out of the fire. There are
some signs that the people are getting
tired Of that kind of politics. They
want the patriotic kind. They more
and more incline to the doctrine OF
Mr.. Hitchcock, quoted in the diction-
airy, that politics is also branch or
ethics, and that the morality OF policy
is the first thing to be considered
This standpoint of high motives de-
mands that the discussion be marked
by frankness, sincerity, patience, self
abnegation. That was washington
idea of politics. That was Lincoln's.
These men never thought of their own
fates; 1t was always of their country.
That is what made them great. There
is no public man great who is more
concerned about his own preferment
than about the public good. This bo1s-
ferrous tempestuous, angry spirit IN
politics is degrading. 1t pulls down
the country. It corrupts the public
service. 1t lowers party purpose.
Where all are interested in one object
the happiness of the people-there
should be no rancor or vituperation.
These only come when self-seeking
controls the controversy. This does
not exclude those friendly rivalries for
the honors that party has to bestow,
but it regards the contest, not one OF
personal interest, but one to decide
upon whom a public duty shall rest.
The duty should calm the conflict and
raise the prize above personal COM
pliment or a victory for sefs sake
Ohio State Journal