Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-09

and churches. All the organizations
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 ques-
ton.
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. If 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.
There must be not only fuller scheme
OF public education, but new kind of
education adapted to the real needs of
the farming people. The country schools
are to be so redirected that they shall
educate their pupils in terms of the daily
life.
Better Country Schools.
Opportunities for training toward the
agricultural callings are to be multiplied
and made broadly effective. This means
redoubled efforts for better country
schools. and a vastly increased interest
in the welfare of country boys and girls
on the part Of those who pay the school
taxes. Education by means Of agricul-
ture is to be part Of our regular pub
lie school work. Special agricultural
schools are to be organized.
The country people everywhere are
asking for good roads. Everywhere. too.
they want a parcels post and the extern
sion Of the rural free delivery.
The commission has purposely avoided
indorsing any particular bill now before
Congress. no matter what it's value or
object. In the opinion of the commits
sion. however, there are two or three
movements OF the utmost consequence
that should be set under way at the
earliest possible time, because they are
fundamental to the whole problem of
permanent reconstruction.
There should be organized under gov
eminent leadership comprehensive plan
for an exhaustive study or survey of all
the conditions that surround the business
of farming and the people who live in the
country, in order to take stock of our re-
sources and to supply the farmer with
knowledge.
Task for State Colleges.
Each state college of agriculture should
organize as soon as practicable COM
plete department Of college extension.
Local, state and even national confer
ences on rural progress. designed to unite
the interests of education. organization
and religion, should be held.
There is need for young people of quail
ty, energy. capacity, aspiration and con-
viction, who will live in the open country
as permanent residents on farms or as
teachers. or in other useful fields, and
who. while developing their own business
or affairs to the greatest perfection, will
still have unself1sh interest in the welfare
OF their communities.
The farming country is by no means de-
void of leaders and Is not lost or incapa-
BILE of helping itself, but it has been rela-
lively overlooked by persons who are
seeking great fields of usefulness. It
will be we'll for us as a people If we
recognize the opportunity for usefulness
in the open country and consider that
there is call for service.
The suggestions Of the commission only
outline a general plan whereby the
strong resident forces in the open country
may themselves build up q new and bet
ter rural social structure. To accom-
plish this, the entire people must be
aroused. The time for this is at hand