The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1914-07-24
TALKS TO FARMERS
Develop by Cooperation
Suggested by Peck

1enneSSeans OWutu Jul Ilh oOA anu
mineral lands in the state. They
owned the undeveloped water pow
ers. They did not appreciate their
possibilities for development and
producing wealth. They did not
appreciate their possibilities for de-
velopment by co, operation; but cap
italists from other states did. with
the result that our own Tennesseans
have sold their birthright for a mess
of pottage. Those resources are be-
ing developed. We are furnishing
them e market for their products.
We ale furnishing them cheap day
labor, and the profits are leaving
Tennessee, to enrich other sections
of the country
Now something's are not pleasant
to contemplate, but we had better
a, alyze conditions, understand them
and do what we can to improve
them.
While a small percentage of our
farmers are wide awake, and prov
ing that they have the capacity to
profit by their opportunities, we all
know that too MANY of them are
clinging to obsolete methods of farm
ing and farm practice that every
year reduce the fertility of their
farms and make it harder for them
to provide the comforts and conven-
fences for those dependent upon
them. We know they cannot con-
tinue indefinitely the hopeless strug-
gle. Gradually they, too, will sell
their birthrigh; for a mess Of pot
tage, and they will join the vast
army of day laborers with little
hope of ever becoming again indie
pendent producers.
The value of Tennessee soils and
their ready response to intelligent
treatment is known. Our climate
conditions and splendid rainfall are
also we'll known. Capital also knows
that men trained in scientific agr;-
culture can be secured, who can
take the neglected land and the
labor that will then have no choice
and rebuild those farms and make
them produce bountiful crops and
return good dividends for the in
vested capital.
The possibilities of our soils and
advantages of climate and rainfall
are too we'll known for the land to
remain idle 1t will be developed
but by whom? Our native Tenn.
esseans or by combinations of out
side capital, where the profits will
go to the money centers instead of
remaining in active local circulation?
1t is far better for Tennessee and
Tennesseans to retain the individual
small farmer to till his own ground
harvest his own crop and the profits
from his labors remains in his own
community, county and state, to
make conditions better for all our
people.
1t does not matter whether we
are farmers or engaged 10 some other
vocation; if we are Tennesseans we
are vitality interested in this question
of improving rural life conditions
and we can all co operate in getting
more cohesion among the farmers.
I think the first important step is
individual work in encouraging COM
munity cooperation. Prepare the
way for boys corn clubs, girls to-
mato clubs demonstration and in
stitute work, short course work by
the College of Agriculture.
You are interested in your home
community. 1t means most to you.
Get really for community co-opera-
ton SO that we cal save the Tern
esseans the birthright that will elude
their grasp unless you help them
adjust themselves to conditions con.
fronting them that must be intelli-
gently met.