The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1909-02-18
The White HOUSE, February 8, 1863,
SUMMARY OF REPORT
a OF TAE HnMMYSSInA [

e The report of the commission describes
With some fulness the existing conditions
may have led to its present lack of organ
ization. 1t suggests methods for the re-
direction 10 Of rural society. for arresting
natural rights of the farmer and for the
development Of an organized rural life
that will promote the prosperity of the
whole nation.
Broadly speaking, agriculture In the
United States Is prosperous and the con-
gions are improving. Country homes gem
orally are improving in comfort, attrac-
tiveness and healthfulness. Many insti-
~tutions, organizations and movements are
actively contributing to the increasing
welfare of the open country.
There has never been a time when the
today, When not only his earning bower r
but the comforts and advantages he may
secure are considered. There has been a
complete and fundamental change in our
whole economic system within the past
century.
Yet it is true, notwithstanding all this
ards, that agriculture is not commercially
as profitable as it is entitled to be for the
la Al ts and energy that the farmer expends
the social conditions in the open country
are far short of their possibilities.
Rural society. is lacking chiefly In a
the exact agricultural conditions and pos
stbilities of their regions, resulting in the
widespread depletion of soils with the in
furious effect on rural life: in proper
training for country life in the schools; in
good highway facilities, and in organiza-
ton for buying and selling.
system OF agricultural credit, a shortage
of labor, often complicated by intenper-
ance among Workmen; q lack of institu-
man to the soil; the life of the farm WON
an is burdensome and narrow; there is
need of adequate supervision of public
health.
Farmer Handicapped.
The farmer is handicapped by the spec
ulative holding of lands, m~onopolistic con
troll Of streams and forests, waste of our
Some Of the remedies for the conditions
set forth lie with the national government,
some Of them with the states and commu-
mites in their corporate capacities, some
with voluntary organizations, and some
with individuals acting alone.
All organized forces both in town and
country should understand that there are
country phases as well as city phases of
our civilization, and that one phase needs
help as much as he other. All these
to society. Many existing Organizations
and institutions might become practically
cooperative or mutual in spirit, as for
braries and churches. All the organiza-
tons standing for rural progress should
be federated in states and nation.
There are several great forces. or prin-
ciples. which must be utilized in the en-
deavor to solve the country life question.
There must be a vast enlargement of
voluntary. organized effort among farm
ers themselves. 1t is Indispensable that
farmers shall work together for their
common interests and for the national
welfare. II they do not do this, no gov
ernmental activity, no legislation. not
even better schools, will greatly avail.
The forces and institutions that make for
morality and spiritual ideals among rural
people must be energized.
Ifere must be not only a fuller scheme
of public education. but a new kind of
education adapted to the real needs of the
FARMING people. The country schools are
TO be SO redirected that they shall edu-