The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-08-29

pert opinion Is one of the chief obstacles that must be overcome before he can take forward step. He has been one of the last to recognize the principle of division of labor. This accounts some what for his slowness to place confidence In the specialist. Evidence of this is on every hand He does not value the special knowledge of the teacher as his city brother does. He is prone to ignore the suggestions and even the orders of the boards of health. He has ignored If not actually defied the work of his local agricultural experiment station to the Hast ditch," and only in the last few years has he begun somewhat grudgingly to give them his assistance and confidence.
 He has generally been the last to avail himself of the mechanical conveniences of the times He has most frequently been the pioneer in subscribing for mar velous air-growers," quack remedies, rnagnifed fruit embalmed In alcohol and many other "gold bricks
 He has too often refused to assist and credit the honest expert in a worthy, constructive work, but has been easily hypnotized by the fake who always held out promises of immediate and magni- f1cent results Not the least among
  ognize his real friends was the attitude displayed by many farmers toward the proposal to appoint a Commission on Country Life. It was ridiculed privately and publicly and there are still to be found the dispensers of searcasm among the farmers.
 It is the old story of disregard for the opinion of the who ought to know more than the average person about the fl,4 4e-fAt cl.~ be made up entirely of a number of so- called practical farmers is not to be thought of The sooner the farmer rec ognizes that suggestions and much help must come from people who are making a special study of the problem and who are not now milking cows twice a day, the sooner we shall see better day.
 The fact that a specialist is not work ing on farm is not prima facie evil dence that all his suggestions are value less and wholly theoretical. The best advice to many professions and occpa- tions often comes from people who have obtained a good vantage point and prop CT perspective. The highest self respect for others and their knowledge in an age whose complexity is as evident as the present.
 The farmers lack of regard for the finer conventionalities of life weakens his attempts at cooperation. The men of the city appreciate these so-calIed minor traits. This very regard for the niceties in social relations dignifies and strength ems their cooperative efforts
 The writer recently attended a meeting of about 600 farmers who were attempt ing to form association for mutual protection. The scene was enough to make one weep who has at heart the welfare of country life. United and har- monious action was an impossibifity.l The chairman. a good man and a farmer, could do little toward maintaining order. Parliamentary practices were wholly ig- nored and trampled under foot as were many other conventionalities. The ap- pearence of the room after the adjourn ment (better dissolution was a spectacle calculated to bring a blush to the cheek of the man of some refinement and re- gard for manners.
 The writer Is loath to say these seem ingly harsh things about the farmer and. his lack of refinement in some very com mon and necessary walks of life. Yet 1t appeared to the observer to be fac tor of no little consequence in the work. ing out of an organization that would be effective and demand the respect of all people. When he comes to that point of development where he rationally and promptly recognizes a place and time for the finer conventionslftes of life. he will have made distinct advance toward his own freedom
 Tho groove of tradition and custom Is worn deep by the farmer. Proposals