Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1913-12-17

h"""s ns among states and as among dir
ierent sections OF the same area. Among
tine many factors entering into these yari-
atoms are climatic conditions. soil con-
oitions, stability OF industry, methods ~
farming, distance from markets, distance
from centers Of large wealth, the nature
OF financial agencies through which can't
tai is secured.
men all necessary allowance has been
made Tor these fundamental factors. n ia
probaeabiy clear that the rural communi.
ties are not as efficiently served as they
should be by existing financial arrange
ments. longtime loans are needed for
permanent investments, such as the
purchase price OF farm or for the
erection Of buildings. II Ia wise econ
omy 70 encourage the extension of credit
for safe productive use, and no less wise
to discourage the use of capital along nom
productive or speculative lines.
The rapid increase in farm values and
the difficulties IN securing land have given
Impetus 10 the growth of the renting sys-
tenn II is this tendency that suggests the
Importance OF deyising farm loans on
terms such as will enable the producers
to make the necessary payments on the
interest and principle so far as possible.
from the returns of the land itself.
There does not appear to be need for
unique or special legislation or for iegis-
lstion which shall aim to give the farmer
credit on easier terms than other mem bers
OF society. What is needed is the creation
ct conditions and machinery which shall
enable him on similar credit foundations
to secure money at the same rates as those
that prevail for other classes aud for OF her
sections.
OTHER RURAL PROBLEMS.
Even though the problem OF how the
farmer can best sell his produce and can
improve the conditions under which he
can secure the necessary capital were
solved, there would still remain vital
things to be accomplished before
rural life can be made fully
efficient, profitable, heslthful, pleasure bic,
and attractive, and before larger dis
position TO remain on the farm develops.
Good roads are prerequisite for better
marketing, for better schools, and for
more comfortable rural living. Better
sanitation and hygiene in the home, in
the school, and in the community are Just
as vital for the rural community as for the
urban.
The effect of the Misunderstanding
mosquito ON agricultural production has
been made the subject of Investigation on
southern plantations. Attention will be
given 10 other disease in
sccts, such - the house fiy. stable fly, and
spotted fever tick, which have a bearing
on the health of rural populations. Salts
factory progress has been made in study
to discover means whereby the breeding
OF flies in manure may be prevented with
out lessenIng Its iertIlixing value.
THE FARM WOMAN.
To gain information that would enable
the department better to serve rural
women, the secretary addressed letters of
inquiry to the women ON 5000 selected
farms covering every county. Other sur
Analysis OF the small part OF the letters as
yet digested shows that farm women de-
sire assistance in all phases OF home
management, especially as TO ways OF
securing running water, introducing
household power machinery and labor
saving arrangements, and providing
better hygienic and sanitary conditions.
Many seek advice as to the better
marketing of the articles they produce.
Others ask the department to prove to the
man that their work Is worth something
in dollars and cents. The overwork OF
women and children and difficulty oil
securing domestic help are mentioned by
a number OF the writers. These letters
have furnished valuable suggestions for
constructive work in this field. The de-
partment believes that intelligent help to
women in matters OF home management
will contribute directly to the agricultural
success of the farm.
II purposes, therefore, TO ask Congress
for means and authority TO make more
complete studies OF domestic conditions
on the farm, to experiment with labor
saving devices and. met bods, and to study
completely the question of practical sani-
tation and hygienic protection for the
farm family.
STATE COLLEGES AND STATIONS.
To eliminate duplication OF effort and
friction and bring about greater CO ordi-
nation between the state colleges and ex-
pertinent stations and the department,
several conferences were held with repre-
sentatiyes OF these institutions. The exc
cutive committee and the secretary signed
a memorandum formulating certain views.
In substance this memorandum holds that
the federal departments primary func-
tion is TO undertake the study of problems
ana regulatory work that are more par
ticularly regional, interstate and inter-
national in character, and that upon the
station should rest the responsibility OF
investigating problems within its state.