The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1914-06-25

ducing wealth They did not
appreciate their possibilities for
development by cooperation; but
capitalists from other states did,
with the result that our own Tonnes
seeans have sold their birthright for a
mess of pottage. Those resources are
! being developed. We are furnishing
them market for their products. We
are furnishing them cheap day labor,
and the profits are leaving Tennessee,
to enrich other sections of the coun-
try.
Now some things are not pleasant
to contemplate, but we had better
analyze conditions, understand them,
and do what we can to improve them.
While small percentage of our
farmers are wide-awake, and proving
that they have the capacity to profit
by their opportunities, We all know
that too many of them are clinging to
obsolete methods Of farming and farm
practice that every year reduce the
fertility of their farms and make it
harder for them to provide the COM
ports and conVeniences for those de-
pendent upon them. We know they
can not continue indefinitely the hope
less struggle. Gradually they, too, will
sell their birthright for mess Of pot
tage, and they will joint the vast army
of day laborers with little hope of ever
becoming again independent producers.
Z The value of Tennessee soils and
their ready response to intelligent
treatment is known. Our climatic con-
ditions and splendid rainfall are also
well known. Capital also knows that
men trained in scientific agriculture
can be secured, who can take the re-
lected 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 invested capital,
The possibilities of our soils and ad-
vantages of climate and rainfall are
too well known for the land to re-
main idle. 1t will be developed, but
by whom? Our native Tennesseeans
or by combinations of outside capital,
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 remain IN
lis own community, county and STAT,
to make conditions better for all our
people.
1t does not matter whether we are |
farmers or engaged in some other vo-
cation; if we are Tennesseans we are
vitality interested in this question OF |
improving rural life conditions and we
can all cooperate in getting more CO.
hesion among the farmers. think the
first important step is individual
work in encouraging community CO.
operation. Prepare the way for boys
corn clubs, girls tomato clubs, demon
stration and institute work, short
course work by the College of Agricul-
ture.
You are interested in your home
community. 1t means most to you.
Get ready for community cooperation
so that we can save to Tennesseeans
the brthright that will elude their
grasp unless you help them adjust
themselves to conditions confronting
them that must be intelligently met.
In conclusion, while we are making
progress towards better agriculture,
better roads and better schools, while
we are providing better for our ply.
steal and mental requirements, as we
better understand how to use the splen-
did resources provided by nature for
our comfort and temporal happiness,
we should remember the source from
which all these blessings come to us.
We should endeavor to make our lives
and our action voice our gratitude to
God, the Creator of all things and the
Giver of all good gifts.-From address
delivered by T. F. Peck, Commissioner
Of Agriculture, before East Tennessee
Farmers Institute at Knoxville,