Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-15

farmer who establishes them A pillow costs
81 Mexican money in our markets. q single
0isk plow costs 800 and even more a
binder cannot be bought for less than S5oO,
a thresher with traction engine costs at
least $4,000 and a steam ploW has cost as
derstand that the want of agricultural I'M
plement factories in the country puts these
desirable utensils beyond the reach OF the
mall farmer and renders it difficult for
him to entirely set aside the ~antiquated
implements, which, unfortunately. are 'still
indispensably necessary to the poor man,
and, in view of their low price, attract the
attention of some rich men.
In treating of the agricultural wealth OF
Mexico country which forms the subject
of this paper, / think It is desirable to
begin with certain historical antecedeIits OF
its national life. During the colonial period
the Mexican territory was governed by
legislatures and laws whose foundations
rested on conquest; that Is to say, that
they still felt the evil effects of the force
Of arms by which the country had been
acquired. 1t was for this reason that agri-
culture, which only prospers when a true
and well meditated conception OF political
to certain places, and did not stand for that
which pertains to II amongst nations that
are considered civilized. In forming part
Of these nations. Mexico has followed the
practice ADVISED by science. -.
Nevertheless we must not forget that
from the primitive Roman piow TO the
wooden stick and other agricultural imple-
ments of ancient times, these antiquated
methods were perpetuated in new spain,
and with them, the lamentable conse-
quences to which they gave rise. with re-
spect To all advancements in the cultivation
of the soil. The soil was unquesti~nably
fertile; the crops were scarce, ana though
the products were necessary, the methods
or acquiring he same were abandoned,
and II ali this appeared satisfactory, the
men Of those days did not take thought
Of the serious evils OF the methods they
ollowed, and by which they transmitted
from one generation to another methods
that were in every way vicious and behind
the age.
Evolution of Political Ideas.
Senior Gorozpe then cited the evolution
of political ideas as an element of progress
In the gaining OF national Independence.
Then on to the -intarnecine struggles which
made THE peasant warlike he found the
cause that produced the effect OF leaving
agriculture without labor and to this evil.
though transitory, he. added the general
prostration OF the young republic. Against
unfavorable conditions Mexico had to pro-
coed with agricultural development and it
finally emaneipated itself from these bonds
by the importation of foreign labor.
The speaker added;
Everything new which mplies an adj
vance in the methods for WorkinK the soil,
have gradually come 10 find an open door
among us, from the methods OF distribut-
ing and uttnzins the energies of the
laborer, of developing his Intelligence, Of
utilizing mis- talents and remunerating his
work, TO the substitution OF modern meth
DDS for the anttquated and obso .ete. Chem
istry, mercantile calculations app led to the
management, and scientific observation
are pOday held TO the Indispensable parts
OF the education of the agriculturists. 1t
Is not only foreign influence which has in
troduced these improvements into the re-
pubic; a good number OF young and tall
ented MeXicans are educating themselves
TO the complicated scientific study of the
soil, In connection with the biological de-
tails OF the vegetable kingdom.
The agricultural school, which is at
tended by a considerable group Of students,
IN cooperation with the experimental sta
tions which have been established In de-
slrable regions OF the country, In pfepar-
ing the staff OF professors. who later on
will communicate their know. edge to our
farmers, the present generation OF which
may now be said TO be truly civilized. AZ
covered in other countries, our faI meTs
eagerly adopt them, 50 much so that we
have successfully carried ont works OF Irri-
CATION by the employment OF powerful
pumps. thus fertinEtng lands that were
formerly considered barren; the subsoL Is
prepared with the help OF steam-dHven
plows, which penetrate to a depth of six
cereals with the help OF machinery which
Is in no way Inferior TO that employed By
the most advanced ~nations: We cultivate
harvests and thresh with machines which
are similar TO those employed for the samS
purposes in the United States.
Pioneers Program.
Here is the program for the Nebrasks
Pioneers meeting at the National Corr