Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-08-19


that few people will be found at least
on the outskirts who speak tho vernacu-
lar. But II Ia the fact that Poles in
that part OF the state have largely In
creased in the last few years. Had
ley Joins Amherst, as oil know who
have had part in the celebrations this
weeks. and yesterdays Boston Tran
script had a long study Of the Poles in
Hadley. Considering their coming into
all parts Of the state. this sketch has
general interest. Here is a passage:-
Nor is the relation such that one party
gives and the other takes. The Polish
people possess qualities OF value 10 any
town. They arc not transient sduatters.
but come with tho expectation. hope and
purpose Of making permanent homes.
Their industry and thrift are shown in
their success with farms given Zip by
the natives. Every member OF a Polish
family helps in tho work OF cultivation.
II IL the pioneer stage with these people.
and women and children SHIRE in the
toll OF the father. Their dealings In n
business way amongst themselves and
with their ncighbors are charn cter'zed
by shrewdness and caution. They are
both thrifty and honest. Obligations
are paid promptly. A physician who
has n large practice among these people
says that his fee is paid on the spot,
or II there is no money on hand, within
"a hours. This Ia In striking contra st
with the practice I'm many American
homes. where the doctors account is
usually settled last. But If tho medi-
cal mans attendance does not. after
q few visits. result in Improvement. an
other physician Is called on, or the pa
tent may be left to die or recover rs
nature may decree The same keen
sense Of money value IL seen In the ex-
pericnce OF evening schools. Those In
charge find that they must make II
clear that the studies and instruction
possess direct pecuninry advantage and
give definite training for wage earning
or the attendance falls off rapidly.
It is said that the manners OF the
Poles are somewhat repugnant to the
old Yankee stock. but there are many
good things said of the immigrants them.
solves and of their children, This pas
sage looks TO the future:--
IN mental quality the Pole shows his
ability to cope with his Yankee neigh
hor in the market place. His readiness
in mastering the art OF farming speaks
well for his quickness of observation
md His power to apply Information and
adjust himself 10 new conditions The
children are faithful in attendance or
school in tho grades and often distln.
gulsh themselves by their fine standing
Few If any have SO far entered Hopkins
Academv the secondary school 90 the
! town There Is a strong disposition e
put tho boys and Girls 10 work wher
| the States requirements for schooling
have been met. but this policy s based
not SO much on lack Of interest in ed
ucation as II Is on the wish to add e
the income Of the family. As the Poles
gain in material prosperity there /:
every reason to expect that they viii
sock larger educational advantages fol
| their children.
! II Is not only In IIadlev. but in adj
| Joining towns that the Polish peopl,
seem TO he beating the Yankees At thei
own game Of farming. As the offcia
above quoted said. they have taken th'
old onion farms of Sunderland and trans
formed them into rery profitable piece
/ Of real estate. II is true that the womei
! help much IN the fields, hut the people
ms whole are thrifty. Industrious an
! developing into good citizens The de
| generate Yankee stock cannot hold thei
o. against them. and il is great dea
| better TO have Polish farmers than It /
! TO have abandoned farms, or desenc
rates Of the old Puritan and Pilgrim
| stocks.