The Monte Vista journal., 1914-09-12
THE RURAL PRESS
The Local Paper Most Useful
Agency on the Farm-The Press,
Pulpit and School a Trinity Of
Influence That Must Be
Utilized In Building
Agriculture.
BY Peter Radford
.cturer National Farmers Union

A broad campaign OF publicity on
the subject OF rural life Is needed In
this state today to bring the problems
of the farmers to the forefront. Ihe
city problems are blazoned upon the
front pages of the metropolitan dali
les and echoed in the country press
but the troubles of the farmers are
seldom told. except by those who
seek to profit by the story. and the
glitter OF the package ofttimes ob-
scures the substance. A searching IN
vestigation into the needs OF the
farmers will reveal many inherent de-
fects in our economic system that can
be easily remedied when properly un-
derstood and illuminated by the pow
er of the press
The rural press. the pulpit and the
school are trinity of powerful In
fuences that the farmer must utilize
to their fullest capacity before he can
occupy a commanding position in public
affairs. These gigantic agencies are
organized In every rural community
and only await the patronage and CO.
operation OF the farmers to fully de-
velop their energy and usefulness.
They are local forces working for
the best interests of their respective
communities. Their work Is to build
and their object is to serve. They
prosper only through the development
and prosperity of the community.
Every farmer in this state should
subscribe for the local paper. as well
as farm periodicals and such other
publications as he may find profitable.
but he should, by all means, subscribe
for his local paper. and no home
should be without it. The local paper
Is part of the community life and the
editor understands the farmers prob
lens. 1t is the local press that will
study the local problems and through
Its columns deal with subjects Of most
vital Importance to local life OF the
community.
A Noble Task.
In too many instances the country
papers mimic the city press by CIV
Ing prominence to scandals, accidents
and political agitation. The new ru.
raj civilization has placed upon the
rural press renewed responsibilities.
and enlarged possibilities for useful
moss. 1t cannot perform its mission
to agriculture by recording the frail-
ties. the mishaps and inordinate am
billions of humanity, or by filling its
columns with the echoes of the strug.
giles of busy streets, or by enchanting
stories OF city life which lure our
children from the farm.
1t has a higher and nobler task.
Too often the pages OF the city dGilies
bristle with the struggle of ambitious
men in their wild lust for power. and
many times the flames OF personal
conflict scar the tender buds OF new
civilization and illuminate the path.
way to destruction. The rural press
Is the governing power OF public senti.
ment and must hold steadfast to
principle and keep the ship OF state
In the roadstead OF progress. The
rural press can best serve the inter.
ests OF the farmers by applying its
energies to the solution of problems
affecting the local community. II
must stem the mighty life current
that is moving from the farm to the
cities. sweeping before II . thousand
boys and girls per day. II has to deal
with the fundamental problems of
civilization at their fountain head. Its
mission Is to direct growth. teach Of.
ficiency and mold the intellectual life
Of the country. placing before the pub.
lie the daily problems OF the farmers
and giving nrst attention to the leg.
islatiye. cooperative. educational and
social needs OF the agricultural class.
es within its respective community.
The Power Of Advertising.
The influence of advertising is clear.
ly visible In the homes and habits of
the farmers, and the advertising col.
umns OF the press are making their
Imprint upon the lives OF our people.
The farmer possesses the things that
are best advertised.
The farmer is entitled to nil IN.
advantages and deserves all tho hx.
uries OF life. We need more art. sci.
snce and useful facilities on tho
farms. and many homes and farms
are woll balanced In this respect. but
the advertiser can render a service
by teaching the advantages OF modern
equipment throughout the columns OF
the rural press.