American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-03-22


velope fell out.
Dear joe" wrote Mr. Somerville,
here's a telegram which came for you
this morning. OF course the company
does not deliver messages in the coun-
try, so | put this chap on a horse and
sent II out Hope 1t Is good news.
Your friend. j. Somerville."
With trembling fingers Joe opened
the message. and the typewriter
words swan before his eyes. 1t was
from the state superintendent of agri-
culture:
Congratulations. You win state
championship by margin Of five bush
els and 81 less expense. Four thou
sand two hundred contestants. Also
awarded nitrate and fertilizer prizes.
Report my office Both for trip to Wash
ington."
His father read the message over his
shoulder, and as both finished they
grinned foolishly at each other and
stood there shaking hands.
We'll, by guml' said Mr.. Weston.
We'll by guml" He could think OF
nothing else to say and remarked
We'll, by gum" again
There's two hundred more to slap
on this placer said Joe as his wits
came back to him. Wen only owe a
thousand thenI"
We'll, by gum!" wonderingly replied
his father. Then be grabbed Joe by
the arm.
Come and let's go and tell the
gals about it,"
son. when you get to Washington
and shake hands with the president"
said Mrs. Weston, pausing a moment
to look at him as she packed his suit
case for the trip. you just remember
there's an old countrywoman way
down here in a split log house that
thinks you're a sight bigger man than
he is. Don't you ever forget thatp'
Joe and his father were riding home
ward from the railroad station. Joe's
trip to Washington as the champion
corn raiser of his state was over.
AS they rounded the shoulder OF the
hin and saw the little farm home In
the bright morning sunshine Joe's face
wreathed In a smile.
You know he said earnestly, II can
understand that song Home, Sweet
Home a heap better now. There Is
no place like home II was mighty
fine and all that In Washington, but
I'm sure glad to be back"
I'm proud to hear ye say that, boyr'
answered his father. II was a bit
fearful you'd come back here dissatis-
fed an maybe after awhile 20 away
leave u.s.
mot a bit OF itr' said Joe stoutly.
i've rome back with the idea OF stick.
Ing right here and making this the best
farm In the state
We'll hooray for THAR
II mean it roo. I've got to have a
lot more schooling. but I'm going to
mix it in with my work"
80 you think you'll stick to farming,
Yes, sir"
After seem all the government at
Washington I'd "a thought you'd want
to be a lawyer Of sometime"
Il did think OF that before | went
there, but the president took me to the
window and pointed out the capitol
and the treasury and postofice build
and some others.
You think all this is great, don't
you, Joep says the president.
"'Of course do says l.
which is the greatest, these things
Or that which makes them possibleY he
asked. looking hard at me.
The cause of 'em, Of course-that
which makes 'em possible l told him.
"Do you know what that isY he
asked me. | told him I reckoned IT
the people.
Yes. the people. but particularly {
he farmer The whole structure of !
government is founded on him. for PEG
pie must eat before they are governed. {
think a good farmer is just as valu- S
ible as a good senatorF he said" I
well. | declarel' exclaimed Mr.. /
Weston. II had no idee we farmers a
we're that important" Z
me either" said Joe, but right then I
made up my mind to be a farmer, I
md a good one. I've got a heap more I
aspect for farmers now" I
Annie spied them down the road and !
racing TO meet them. Mrs. Yves .
on waved an afrectionate greeting !,
rom the front gate. Joe rushed In and -
ave his mother a hug.
1T sure Is fine to be home again and d
zee you all How's everything getting d
Z
u fine! Chickens started to lay d
ng and we've six little new pigs" u
An a new calf named SpotP' insist a
d Annie. r
Come on in and tell us about your p
rip. Did you really see the p~residentY' o
inquired Mrs. Weston. n
"Yes'm. and a mighty fine man he is. is
90. We had a big argument a
What? You didn't argufy with the Il
resident. did you. SOM she inquired
Mortified tones.
"Yes'm. | sure did He started it." O
rurdily answered Joe. fl
Good gracious. / hope you didn't 81