The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1909-05-08
OVERHEARD AT a FARMERS, MEETING.

OVERHEARD al a EA1RG1o A46lx00s
Just what sort of farmers meeting it was
doesn't matter, but it was well attended, and
the men, women, young folks and children
looked prosperous and well dressed. During
an informal period between speeches there
was much moving about and visiting" in
little groups, and it was interesting to walk
about and catch snatches of conversation here
and there To hear what people talk about in
their moments of relaxation is almost to know
their characters, and it was impossible not to
form conclusions while noticing a few words
from this or that knot of men and women.
No, we didn't get in for the first of the
meeting" one well-dressed woman was say
ing. "You know how it is on farm. Chores
never done and things going wrong all the
time. told John this morning never ex-
pected to be able to do things like other folks.
Somebody jostled her at that moment, so her
companion took up the conversation. eyes,
know all about II" she said. "Town people
can go and do, but in the country it's drudge,
drudge all the time. We were late, too, but
always expect that. The roads were just one
mass Of mud, and suppose we look horrible.
tried to scrape the worst off, but John says
hayseeds shouldn't mind little dirt at this
season" A rueful look at her tailor-made
suit and trim silk waist failed to reveal any
traces Of the horrible mud, but maybe after all
il was there.
The next group had for its topic the hope
lessness of cleaning house with the men
folks dragging in mud all the time, get clear
discouraged said one sad looking woman.
''It don't pay to try to have things nice in the
country. You can spred down all the old car
pet you like, and have broom in your hand
continually, but nothing ever looks clean"
She paused for breath, and another woman
contributed her mite to the subject. That's
exactly what 1 say" she said ''The girls
have been teasing for new rug for the sitting
room this long time, but say to them, what's
the use? Pa and the boys would soon have it
ruined with their muddy boots, SO the old one
is plenty good enough. Wedon't have great
deal of company, anyway. Country folk are
too much rushed with hard work to go visit
ing and enjoy themselves"
OFF in a corner some men were discussing
the hired-help problem, and very interesting
were the statements of these prosperous land
owners For my part, don't have any trou-
BILE, said one farmer. BY keeping the boys
out of school day now and then l manage
pretty well. The schoolma' am objects to 1t,
and says the boys lose interest, but don't see
thatit makes much difference. In fact, they re
getting so they d rather stay at home than go. ="
Another man applauded this statement, and
added "When a mans got up-to-date ma
chinery he can manage in pinch. My boys
are all girls, but occasionally they lend hand
driving a team and helping with the chores.
/ don't believe in frills in the education OF
girls no way, so in few years the girls will
be lot of help to their mother and me. Their
Aunt Jennie argues with me that ought to
keep them in school all the time, and be plan
ming to send them to college, but don't be-
lieve in such stuff. Amy used to cry when
she had to stay out, but she's getting bravely
over that. The only foolish notions they have
in their heads is wanting to go to town to
work"
In walking about for nearly an hour, catch.
ing fragments of talk here and there, heard
not single word about the advantage of liv-
ing on a farm, not the least reference to the
good food, the fresh air, the opportunities for
making pin money-nothing but work, dirt,
drudgery, disadvantages, the hopelessness of
trying to live like town people, the absence of
all that makes life enjoyable-these were the
topics on the lips of the men and women. A
number of these people were well to do and
none were poor, but no one had a good word
for the occupation that gave them their health
and wealth. The daily response of a woman
ON fine farm with hundreds of advantages
when some one calls her up on the telephone
and says, "Well, what is the news?" is ever
the same, Nothing ever happens out here F."
And yet the birds and the flowers and the
trees and the sunshine and the grass make her
surroundings appear as little Eden to passers-
by. The habit of crying down their homes
and blessings is strong in the lives of many
country people, and probably never will be
eradicated
Then the chairman called the audience to
order to introduce a noted speaker at farmers
meetings. His topic was, "How to Keep the
Young People on the Farms" Was his talk
needed in that audience or not ?-HildG Rich
nond in Country Gentleman.