The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1914-04-13
Monday. April 13. 1914.
AN ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITION.

~ ~ HNOilNG rnOFOoiliON
The most attractive and practical
suggestion OF responding TO the back
to-the-soIlr movement IL contained iu
a plan hat has been submitted to and
heartily endorsed by the Secretary Of
Agriculture OF Pennsylvania. The
plan Is attractive because IL provides
for a community. which at once
meets the objections OF the city
raised man OF the lonesome environ
ment of an agricultural pursuit. II is
philanthropic because II provides an
assured future for hat class Of men
who. while still young at as. are being
dropped from clerkships and other po-
aitions to make way for younger men.
II appeals strongly to men OF this
class II they have families depending
on them. Naturally. a man who has
zen used to the excitements and hu-
man fellowships of the city. even II
he Is inclined to go to the farm. hest
tates on account OF the wide disper.
sion Of human h~abitations and the alb
enc of ~neighborly associations. The
community plan all such Dbl
ftaclcs and gives him a life OF
pleasure. contentment and indepen-
dence. The details for carrying out
the community or village settlement
plan al be varied. The originator
OF the idea has some practical work
ing views that may be applicable 20
this State as well as Pennsylvania,
md we give them in the hope that
they may excite some interest among
those West Virginians who are just
now giving their thoughts and ener-
gies to the improV ement Of agricul-
tursl conditions.
Any corporation organized along the
ltn~S OF the bullding and loan associa-
ttoHS-or some OF our prosperous men
NnS are seeking opportunities TO benefit
tne common people-can secure ESQ
within n radius OF 10 to 20 miles OF
macy OF our larger cities and towns at
CO. OF CIV 20 N9V an acre-and IN
Sone locations much more cheaply. This
Investment would be safe. paying A
r. cent aside from the real benefit to
MASKING him Independent.
w the plotting or such acreage there
seouid DO set aside eight to 10 acres
where all the homes would be buIit.
from .~one-luarter 10 one-half acre
weuid be allowed In this section FOR
dwellings, with Tor each tenant an ao-
dtftonal 10 acres pr more OF farm land
oOTstde OF the village for cultivation.
Even with three acres given over to
iond products. would permit IA. man 10
paL me = per cent interest. pay IN the
ntnnselt and lay something aside. A
ready city market would be az hand Tor
I've farm PRODUCTS and might return the
oSner a minimum Of $50 n year. I'm ad-
eition % supplying his own table with
The freshest Of foods.
In putting this plan into practical
operation IL Is suggested that Il
Might be done through some bank or
trust company in the cities or towns
~ selling stock on the order Of a
building and loan association. When
iully paid. the owner would have a
cesd for 10 acres Of land. n village lot
and $1,000 to $3.50 cash to build q
email home. Fifteen shares OF stock
at 500 each would carry this propo.
aition. According 10 the plans OF the
pennsylvania originator with each
20 acres he also is TO SECURE an I'd.
ditional o~ne-quarter acre or town To-.
which plot would be centrally located
for the village. so all homes will be
adjoining and overcome the lonesome.
ness OF country life. and where also
churches. stores and schools would
be convenient 10 all.
The idca outlined g. not entirely a
new conception. a. it is In successful
operation In European countries. and
has never been attempted on q large
scale In this country. Its features are
80 appealing. however. that We see no
reason why such a scheme should not