The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-12-16
FLORIDA IS HAVEN TO SEEKER
. OF PEACE AND HOME

|
ear to the ground, has heard the
rumble of an approaching storm of
investments in improved and unim-
proved lands in the United States,
and sees before him a new agricul-
tural era, which will surpass any de-
velopment ever enjoyed before by
our country. The ultimate and after
results of the terrible war now ex-
listing abroad cannot but reflect
great prosperity to America.
We are now facing a great task.
The growers and producers from the
soil in this country will have the
great task of feeding practically all
OF the now warning nations. And
before us is also the great task Of
caring for the tide OF immigration
bound to come to this land.
When the smoke of conflict will
have settled, the weary and worn
out soldier has returned to his home
only to find devastation and his all
wiped out of existence, again facing
the task of rebuilding his home and
land and sees before him, regardless
of who the victors may be, a burden
of war tax for himself and his chill
dren possibly for generations to
come, his eye and his thoughts will
turn westward toward this land
where he sees peace and splendid
opportunity under the most intelli-
gent and enlightened government on
earth and where await him that
which every man longs for, indie
pendence and freedom. where he can
reap the benefits of his work and
his efforts. Florida with its thou
sands upon thousands of cheap and
undeveloped acres of lands, with it's
wonderful and varied resources,
with her unusual climate will prove
a haven to this seeker of peace and
home, and will have a great advan-
tage over other States and should
get more than her share of thes,
settlers.
But We should be prepared. We
must see that they receive the prop
er treatment and proper instructions
along the most successful lines of
working their lands. Were it poss,
BILE this should be handled by the
State itself, but, if not possible,
each county in the State should or
ganize and thus place themselves in
position to furnish these homeseek.
ers accurate and absolute correct
data with reference to their county,
Each county should have a complete
soil survey and should have a direc-
tor of agriculture, who would be in
position to direct these people to
proper handling of their lands. All
this should be handled under what
might be termed an immigration bu-
reau. and possibly central bureau
be established in some suitable To-
cation where settlers may get proper
channels for the information they
4seek. I think that this work should
.be handled by our own State people
and not by outsiders. Each county
should start now to be prepared and
not wait until the great wave starts.
If this Is done the State must derive
great benefits and providing 1t is
properly handled would soon blossom
as the greatest agricultural State in
the Union.
Besides the foreign immigration
which we may look for, the fact
that a steady slowing down of GER
tain lines of manufactur cs in this
country is having its effects. A tenn
porary suspension of activities in
stocks and bonds, better system of
rural credits and the fact that
stronger than ever the universal
proof that land Is the true basis of
wealth, is causing thousands of peo-
pie to turn their thoughts back to
agriculture lines. understand
other States are making great eff
forts and are organizing along the
lines that I have outlined. Especi-
ally do understand that the ever
progressive California is doing so.
and we will be sleeping on our |;
rights unless we, too, commence to
get busy. It Is the time now for
people to show their faith in their
country and State. The time to do
things. We must all combine and
try to be upbuilders and be prepared
for the great final benefits to be de-
rived out of the most terrible and
horrible state of affairs that the
world has ever known. We need
settlers and good settlers. The op-
is now being offered us to
get them. We should be prepared to
lelp. for they will need help and if
7 is properly done all will be we'll
'aid for time and efforts given to
he work Louis Tending in The
state.
opo,,.,.- L. .