The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-06-06

Vlued In the public schools, and T0rm-
ing consistent part Of 1t, should run
the thread OF training that relates the
boys and girls, especially those Of the
open country, to the larger and more
practical things Of rural life for which
they viii be held responsible.
To read and write and solve simple
problems i'm arithmetic and to absorb
smattering of language and geogra-
ply is not sufficient. They must be
taught more of nature and her laws
and by teachers that are In practical
sympathy with them, ais well as with
the mode Of life that country children
inherit. 1t has been well said that In
an agricultural state, agriculture
should be made as much a part OF its
education as oxygen is a part OF the
air And that that education is most
vital that prepares the largest num-
Der OF people to efficiently perform
the ordinary services required by the
community, and to enable them to
live the best life consistent with their
surroundings.
moreover, a vital industry, employ
ing the activities Of a vast majority
OF the population, should WELD a cor
respondingly great intellectual infiu-
ence in order to maintain proper
equilibrium OF social and political
power For agriculture, being COM
paratively free from the intrigues and
other corrupting vices that breed in
large urban centers, it's great power,
with small likelihood would ever be
converted into oppressive machinery,
either to distress the poor or to de-
spoil the rich.
Self protection, therefore, win COM
pei agriculture to assume its proper
ton OF responsibility In business and
governmental affairs, as voters, as
legislators and as executive officers,
as well as to properly discharge its
obligations to society. By no other
means can 1t emancipate itself from
the speculative interests that other
wise would prey upon it.
From the ranks Of agriculture, men
should be called to positions of honor
and trust as freely as from any other
profession, and the government. for
reasons just indicated, should become
the purer and better for their larger
participation in business and govern
mental affairs. There is no legfti-
mate ruling class recognized in our
country. Hence the governing func-
ton becomes the common heritage OF
all people, regardless of vocation or
creed. Such should be the education
al standards, therefore, that all social
and economic interests may mutually.
both represent and be represented. by
the people in a truly democratic man
ner. From the ranks OF one vocation
as readily as from any other, men
should be chosen to fill positions that
have to do with making or executing
the laws of state or nation. No real
democracy can otherwise be assured
and in no other way can equal and
exact justice be maintained between
the producers and the distributors OF
wealth.
Manifestly. no important Industry
can with safety submit its regulation
or protection exclusively to the man
agement Of men representing antag-
onfstic or conflicting interests. Bus
mess naturally is selfish and hence
self protection requires intelligent CO.
operation among the varied interests
to the end that neither may become
the prey Of any other, nor suffer on
account of mercenary combinations.
Presidents, United States senators,
congressman and state officers should.
upon retiring from Office, return to
the farm as naturally and with as
much dignity as now they are accus-
toned to return TO some city office.
The example set by Cincinnatus, the
Roman patriot, and by our own wash
ington, Of returning joyfully to their
farms after having rendered their re-
spective countries illustrious service,
should not forever be held up to the
children OF our country as remark
able exceptions to an almost univer-
sal rule.
To render this larger service, how
ever, agriculture must throw Off the
lethargy of conservatism-beg OF
the centuries-and in the spirit OF
true patriotism cooperate with the
powers that be, wherever its interests
are involved, be they political, eco
nomic, or educational The founda-
tions OF a more democratic and CO.
operative public service cannot be laid
too soon for the safety Of the republic.
Evils Durable.
Had agriculture been alert and con-
structive, instead OF inexcusably con-
servative, such important movements
as improved highways, consolidated
rural schools and numerous other
schemes inaugurated for the improve
ment OF country life would not have
been left to the initiative OF bankers.
merchants and commercial clubs. In
tba1n nr Az, x,onr,Nr n4Y,av- @btw,~~ ..s4~r -.
its own interests, agricultur too long
has assumed an attitude OF indiffer-
ence or helplessness. No substantial
permanent growth can be anticipated,
however. until agriculture formulates
its own plans and provides the means
for its own betterment. The improve
ment OF rural life must come from
within. Agriculture must create It's
own leaders and become the architect
OF its own destiny.
The economic injustice against
which the common people SO strenu-
ously inveigh, is durable. False
weights and false measures, adulter-
ated goods ana watered stocks, the
ingenious agencies of fraud by means
OF which millions OF money Is exorted
annually from the apathetic public,
can be remedied. The lawyers that
supply the statutes with jokers or
protect the hooters when caught, an
be reformed These evils exist only
because OF sufferance. The apathy
that permits them to exist Is little
less sinful than the evils complained
OF.
without question, agriculture must
charge to it's own conservatism what
ever Ills befall 1t and many Of tho eco
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