The Washington times., 1914-11-11
S4O,OOO,OOO FUND TO
= IMPROVE RURAL LIFE
Houston Announces All States
Have Agreed to Cooperate
With Government.

The farm demonstration work and
extension teaching of agriculture un-
dertaken by the Federal and State gov
ernments through the administration OF
the Smith-Lever act was described as
the largest and most significant piece
OF educational work any nation has
ever undertaken" by Secretary of Agri-
culture Houston today. Secretary
Houston. in making the opening ad-
dress at the convention of the Asso-
citation Of American Agricultural Col
lcges ard Experiment Stations at the
New Willard. said that this legsla-
tion represents the most systematic and
gigantic attempt ever made to help the
ordinary man and woman.
About 800 leaders in agricultural re-
Dearch and educational work were pres
ent at the opening of this convention
today, which is the last of a series of
meetings of agricultural associations to
assemble. Other conventions in ses-
sion today were the American Associa-
ton of Farmers Institute Workers, the
American Society of Animal Produc-
ton, and the Landgrant Engineering
Association. The National Association
OF State Universities and kindred organ
izstions ended their conventions last
night.
Will Spend Millions.
Secretary Houston in addressing the
agricultural college convention reported
TO the delegates that every State in the
Union has indicated its acceptance of
ing the next nine years over $40, 1000 900
of State and Federal money is to be
expended in demonstration and eXten-
sion work.
Heads of agricultural colleges We're
urged by Secretary Houston to build
strong departments of rural economics
in their institutions to help the State
and Federal Governments in solving the
problems of production and distribution.
There is more to the rural life prob
their marketing" Secretary Houston
said. There is the whole problem of
making rural life healthier, more ccm-
Portable and attractive, as well as profit
able. 1t has been pointed out by DR.
Carver that making farm life more
profitable does not solve the problem,
because frequently after farmers have
made their profit they leave the farm"
Problems To Be Solved.
Better schools, better provisions to
safeguard the health of rural residents,
better roads and more social life Secre-
tary Houston held to be phases of the
problem that must find solution.
1T seems to me-" Secretary Houston
told the delegates, that in conjunction
with other educational agencies you can
make this larger attack on the rural
life problem and go far to solving what
/ consider the biggest question confront
ing the nation today.
The States are spending S25,000 900
20 S30.00o,000 year for promoting
agriculture and the nation as much
more, Mr.. Houston added, and he said
the people had a right to expect results
from this expenditure This includes the
expenditures under the Smith-Lever act
The executive committee of the as
sociation reported in favor OF meeting
the first three days in September next
year in connection with meetings OF 9Th
er educational and scientific societies.
Or. A c. True will flake his annual
address as president tonight. Tomorrow's
session will be given over to q discus
ion of the Smith-Lever act