Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1911-04-22
Great International Congress of Farm
Women
Concluded from March Is)


The agricultural colleges, the great
factor in the improvement of agri-
culture; the federal and state depart
ments, experts and the influences en-
genered as result of their work; the
thousands of local organizations
among farmers, known by various
official titles; the great conventions
of those interested in agricultural de-
velopment; the well-edited agricul-
tural journals which in themselves
are a power for good, and the uplift
movements like the Dry Farming
Congress, are to be credited with the
new condition of affairs that is coming
into rural districts with the
change in the farm must come a new
spirit in the home, new atmosphere
which will make for the farm women,
the boys and girls, new ideals, and
give them different grasp on life.
In appointing the Commission on
Country life, President Roosevelt
builded better than he knew. In re-
fusing to order this report printed
for general distribution, the Congress
of the United States showed a re-
markably short-sighted policy and
prevented immediate good results
from the excellent work of the men
who Investigated the conditions of
country life and who assembled facts
that would be most valuable to the
q
port for free diStribuation, the Spo-
kane Chamber of Commerce showed
most commendable enterprise and
won deserved compliments for the
spirit of helpneSS manifested toward
all America by making it possible for
thousands to read and digest this eX-
cellent report.
Oranges and similar organizations
had existed before this Commission
made its investigation and report.
Home-making societies and domestic
science movement were under way,
and men and women students of Soci-
illogical conditions were thinking of
the necessity of better things for the
farmers family. 1t was already
known that great manufacturing in
situations were finding that to secure
and keep best help and get the best
work. it was well TO shorten hours,
to insist upon cleanliness and order
A certain shipbuilding company had
proved that by keeping the interior
of the steel plant painted white, the
handles of all tools cleaned and
whitened every day, and the windows
and yards cleaned and SANITARY, the
men were led to better order, cleaner
personal habits, and better workman
ship. The railroads had long before
shown that to encourage their men
to spend their spare hours i'll Rail
road Y. NJ. G. A club houses. read
ing or listening to clean entertain
mentS, they reduced EXCEPTIONALLY
habits and increased efficiency.
Even the roundabout dock workers
who for many years were looked upon
as the tag end of social imperfection
when organized and given Y. NJ. c.
A, and other clubs where the atmos-
phere encouraged better thoughts.
education and progressive lives. soon
became an entirely different class of
men. Every proof existed that or
ganiZed movements for the improve
ment of men and women in every
walk of life were successful factors
in creating a new national life. The
report of the County Life Commits
sion brought to mind the fact that
all these factors were working but
slowly in the rural districts because
of diSorganiZation in methods.
What is needed in the country is
leaders, said the Commissioners.
young men and women. trained in
this work of organization and social
uplift, and willing to devote their