The bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-03-02


talent. The rising youths should be
taught and learn to be artists in their
respective callings. 49,. :,
A professional carpenter is worth
as much to race or nation as pro-
fessonal doctor.
The principal purpose OF teaching
agriculture is not to make farmers,
but because such teaching brings the
schools in touch with the daily life OF
the community.
No complexed civilization could
exist without agriculture because its
teachings are very essential for
higher civilization. A good farmer
needs to have good business princi-
Piles, executive ability, skilled hands
and good judgment.
To be able to understand the rea-
sons for farm practices requires some
knowledge of the sciences, such as bot
any, chemistry, physics and other
sciences, as we'll as study of animal
and plant diseases. Some years ago
it was thought that anyone could
farm, but could they farm scientifical-
ly? No. Because it requires as much
mental alertness to be good farmer
as good lawyer, doctor or merchant.
One who does not avail himself of this
knowledge is very much handicapped
in this great occupation.
If child can be taught successfully
in the public schools arithmetic, his
tory, language and other sciences he
also can be taught the fundamental
principles of successful farming. 1t is
universally accepted that aptitudes
are developed, tastes are acquired and
life habits are formed. Therefore
every child should learn to form hab-
its of observation and master study
upon which the great laws of agricul-
ture are based.
Many boys and girls reared on the
farm do not get an education beyond
the rural schools. If the truths that
pertain to nature are not established
in the public schools large per cent
of our boys and girls will be deficient
in this great vocation.
To be abreast with the demands of
the times and to be recognized as up
to-date schools we must make provis-
ions for sending our pupils out with
knowledge that has application to
everyday life. We do not expect boys
to become skillful in handling tools,
machinery and stock from what they
learn in the common schools, but they
can learn to tell why to pillow deep,
why to prune trees and how to feed
stock.
Do not think we are trying to dis
courage college education. We are
not, for it is Of all possible advantage
and is needed among us. as race. We
simply hold that when back to the
1.rm movement becomes general
there will be less loafers on the
streets of our cities and more homes
and bank accounts will be established.
The school, which the writer repre-
sents stands olt for Christian and in.
dustrial education, non-sectarian, but
strictly religious.
We are not yet one dozen years Ola,
but thus far we have overridden our
sanguine expectations. This stimu-,
lates us to higher efforts.
The recent farmers conference that
we held was we'll attended by repre-
sentative farmers throughout the
state. Some very important subjects
were discussed and much good was
accomplished We are not Tuskegee
or Hampton, but we are the farm
life school of Missouri and the west.
Our glee club, which is now touring
Missouri towns and singing to large
audiences, are lifting up standard of
music to the people.
The teachers training course is now
in full operation. We invite any teach
er who wishes oget better grade
of certificate, if your school is out or
when it is out, come and join us IN
this great training course, which will
be of much help to you in your school