Omaha daily bee., 1910-02-20

growth in number of these is showing it's
effect on the popular cry OF back to the
farm" The Inconvenience of farm life
are fast disappearing by the. aid of the
automobile, and under present conditions
no one seems to be more able to afford
these than the farmers.
The prosperous farmer is today an inn
portant factor in the marketing Of auto
mobiles and the effect of the widespread
use Of automobiles promises to be far
reaching Even IL the use of cars in the
farming communities had no other effect
save to lead to the further Improvement
of the highways great would be the gain.
But this is by no means the only or even
the greatest gain.
In the national good roads movement the
farmer may be depended upon through his
interest in automobiling to lend an active
hand in securing results which will not
only lead to his enjoyment of wider
range of pleasures, but prove of incalcu-
able benefit to the rural community at
large. The effect upon his social life is
already marked. AS the telephone has
brought him into speaking touch with the
world, so will the automobile bring him
within actual and personal touch with the
affairs that make UP his social and busi-
ness life. His trading, his church and his
social events are made convenient beyond
all former possibility
A hundred and one enJoyments and prac-
tlcal possibilities are now brought con-
yeniently within his reach Good roads
will make the school more accessible for
his children and increase the attendance,
and this in turn will improve the educa-
ha tOgathar n
a greater number of scholars at one point
viii permit Of higher grades of instruction,
and the high school, now SO lacking in the
rural districts, will be possible to a greater
extent.
Good roads and the automobile will in
crease the value OF land and property in
the small towns, because they win enable
each town 10 control the trade of wider
radius. The value OF farms will be in
creased because they are made more acces-
sibe to the trading centers Land now of
low value and unimproved land located in
comparatively inaccessible sections viii be
opened up and made a source Of greater
returns.
The greater trade possibilities will stimu-
late the merchant to carry larger, better
and more varied stocks of goods orders
now sent to distant cities will be placed at
home. keeping a greater proportion of the
expenditures and, of course, the profits
within the community. Perishable products
requiring quick handling can be brought
to town or to the railroad from greater
distance and many farm products which
cannot at present be handled with profit
will find a market opened up for them.
The freight OF the railroads will Increase
and bring with it improved facilities Of
transportation.
Those who have observed with serious
concern the tend OF population from coun-
try TO city will see In the combination Of
automobile and good roads a marked re-
versal.
Not only will the conveniences and the
attractions OF the city be brought within
reach OF the farmer, but the city man,
finding It possible TO live in the country
and yet attend 10 his business, wiD make
his home in the country. And, finally, the
common use OF the automobile In city and
country Is bringing about a decided de-
crease In road abuses. so that the antag-
onism (now fast disappeaTing) created by
the relatively few reckless drivers win be-
come a thing OF the past.
Reasonable legislation, aided ana sus-
tained by the active and decided stand
taken BY organised automobile clubs and