The Ordway new era., 1914-01-02
Continued From Page This Section


to a great state has been reclaimed.
In other sections floods and marshes
hold fallow and useless other vast
regions that should produce To make
wet the dry lands and make dry the
wet lands are problems for our en-
gineers and economists.
Nations that suffer from low water
and from floods in alternate seasons
will by future scientists be classed
with the stupid nations. Nature sup
plies US with ample water, if we
have not the sense to apportion it
properly. we have no call to curse
the Gods. Those who will not dam
the waters have no right to damn
the Creator. In effeeting the happi-
ness of our people, the water recla-
nation and conservation policy will
prove as beneficial as Lincoln's
proclamation of Emancipation.
No administration will ever need
to apologize for money spent to re-
claim waste lands to make them fit
for homes. There is no policy of ma
tional defense as certain as that
which encourages ownership in our
soil. Every American citizen that is
planted upon productive acre of
lard becomes an additional rivet in
the armor of national security. 1t
would be a reckless power that would
assail nation of home owners. In
Colorado, the government has just
ing as fertile as the Nile valley do
main of arid land for 1000 modest
farms. The cost has been $500, 900.
One ibattleship costs as much as three
Gunnison tunnels without consider
;rg that the one is constant and
tremendous liability, while the other
isia growing perpetual asset and divi
dend payer. Which is the best in
vestrnent? Apple orchards and alfalfa
fields are better nurseries for citizen
ship sthah decks of ships or military
camps. Free government has no ally
as strong, as sure as the home owner
Land and liberty are close allied. A
title deed to an acre of land is
guarantee of patriotism. Property
owners always desire better govern
Inent. Anarchy makes no recruits
among taxpayers. Insurrection never
received shelter. sympathy or con-
orchard or an alfalfa field. Even So
cialism stands abashed and impotent
IN the presence of self reliant, in
dependent owner of free debt piece
of productive land.
The armies and fleets of Japan are
not half the menance to our republic
as are the unemployed and property
les. Of the country. Idleness and pow
erty are the breeding ground of riot
and revolt. Turmoil and lawlessness
brings no harm to those who have
nothing. Those who have to pay the
cost of disturbance and upheaval. the
land and home owner. are the bull
wark of stability and safety. Self in
tercst is the most reliable thing in
the world. The home owner becomes
soldier of defense, enlisted for life.
Forty-two million of our people do
not own their homes. The destiny
of our republic will be shaped and
determined as we increase or de-
crease this percentage of tenant Am
orleans. To illustrate the closeness of
happiness. security and prosperity to
the soil, no crop will illustrate better
than alfalfa and apples. These are
but two out OF hundred golden pro-
ducts of rural life but they represent
small farms, intense cultivation and
certain success. They stand for we'll
cultivated lands, for close settled
communities, for convenient schools,
churches and markets, for tele-
phones. free delivery and homes
blessed with all the conveniences.
The twenty or forty-acre apple, or al
falfa farm may not admit of a New
port summer home or yacht upon
the sea but it will be free from the
temptation. dangers and heart and
soul wrecks that so often invade the
perfumed white way Of luxury. Bon
ANA mines. commerce and specula-
ton sometimes wins larger prizes,
but the risk and hazard are greater.
Ninety-five per cent of those in the
marts OF trade fail, of the sons of
industry who follow the plow 95 per
cent. succeed. Their earnings may
not be large but every dollar is bright
with the smile of honest toll and
upon them rests the benediction of
Almighty God.
Annles and alfalfa are permanent