Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1912-11-26

culture in Rome under the direction
Of David Lubin, has made thorough
inquiry into all these plans, and If any
American farmer desires detailed in
formation, Mr.. Lubin will be glad to
furnish 1t.
I want to stress right now to every
farmer In this country who is talking
excitedly about plans" and who
thinks that all that is necessary to
succeed with rural credits or anything
else Ia to find 'plans"-that there are
plans galore, What 10 needed right
now is men bold and with SUFFICIENT
initiative in every community to car
ry these plans into execution, and to
do 1t In the face Of encouragement,
difficulties and sacrifice of time and
health, II that is necessary.
It IL Just as we'll, therefore, to stop
worrying 10 much about plans" and
think more about how we are going to
find the men to execute the plans. not
just for one week, but right on to the
end Of the chapter.
1t is necessary to remember, how
ever, that Germany is q country Of
thickly settled, small communities, and
that the plans which have proved ad-
visable there may have to be altered to
take into account separation of agri-
cultural units in America. This pro-
cess resolves itself, however, into a
matter Of detail, and the main portion
Of the task is, as have stated. the To-
eating and training Of men to carry
into effect any systems Of rural credits
that may be devised, whether under
governmental or private supervision.
Now, to the second feature, that Of
landlprdism in America. believe that
a perfected system of rural credits can
do much to overcome or at least les
sen this evil. If you doubt that 1t ex-
lists only ask that you investigate in
your own neighborhood as to the num-
ber Of men who own their farms, and
as to the number Of acres, wild or cul-
tivated, owned by an absentee land
lord.
After all is said, II remains that
America 10 land the prosperity and
progress Of which are founded on ag-
riculture. II we allow to form In this
country a class Of controlling land
owners and corresponding class Of
tenants subject to these landlords, we
create a system that is the direct op-
posite of democratic government and
that will eventually lead to condition
Of land monopoly beside which the
problems Of the so-called high cost Of
living and other much agitated issues
will dwindle down to insignificance.
was astonished when. in conversation
recently with Prof. E. c: Bransop Of
Athens, Ga,, he gave me figures re.at-
ing to Georgia alone of absentee own
ership which are almost incredible.
Had not the figures been based on
conditions Of which am personally
aware I would have doubted them.
Unless 1t is checked, ownership Of
the land by a few in each community
Is going to strangie initiative and COL
lective prosperity in America. II every
farmer every American who reads
these lines and who 10 genuinely con-
oerned for his individual welfare, and
that Of the country, will deliberately
study these conditions have outlined,
he will be convinced as to the need
and the duty of securing leaders who
will materialize rural credits or any
other sound, proven agency that will
prove a remedy for the drift toward
landlordism.
Finally, don't fret so eternally about
the plans. The men to execute them
constitute the real pfeblem-the men
and the spirit of cooperation in every
community.