Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-06-02

untee- Movement. The first objection
that comes to- US, naturally, is the mis-
fits that are sure to meet-tempera-
ments that could never be adjusted
boys who are not willing to give the
hest that is in them; men who are
unreasonable in their demands But
in the same moment let us remember
that many Of these boys are to be
taken from a summer of idleness and
temptation in city streets where they
ACQUIRE nothing that is useful ana
much that is vicious.
IA a movement Of intimate moral ana
Industrial worth, we hold up oo'h
hands for the Junior Volunteer Move
nnent. for the relief Of the farmers neeo
Of help. we are unwilling to pre1udice
the case but would rather hope for ana
EXPECT the best, and await results.
MANY Inquiries are made Of the jour
nal. proving a general misunderstano-
ing and much misrepresentation. one
If TIE first and most persistent queries
is: Are the boys to be properly cared
for and safeguarded in every case:
The public anxiety seems to be LOT the
boys-the farmers can look out ZOE
themselves and withdraw from I'M
satisfacto arrangements. Here are
sentences from letters and verbal IN
ouiries: "Is some one going to see that
these boys are we'll fed?" who is go
ing to see to it that the Junior Nolun-
teers are not overworked?" will
nrcnpt attention be given If boys are
ill?"
In answer to all of these we are able
to say that one of the first provisions
of the movement is for the enlistment
of adult leaders, professors from COL
leges and fitting schools, men accus-
toned to dealing with boys, CHRISTIAN
gentlemen, men of experience in meet
ing difficulties, familiar with farm
problems, wise in adjusting disagree
merits, and just in settling disputes
will see EVERY boy, EVERY day.
They will hear the boys complaints
and grievances; they vail listen to the
farmers side of any controversy; they
will make exchanges and Withdraw
hovs from undesirable places. They
will also return to camp any boys
whom their leadership cannot bring up
to. or keep up to, a satisfactory stand
ard. The State will pay the boys; the
leaders will collect of the farmers for
the State.
The movement is being rapidly
placed upon an efficient business basis
and under a management that is look
ing beyond the present season. The
possibilities, if not the probabilities, are
for other seasons of even greater need
than this for farm help. The organic
alton perfected this year will be ready
for much better service next year, and
boys that gain some knowledge OF
farming and experience in the work
this year, will be a real asset in years
to come.
In conclusion we would. refer to the
expense of the movement-S1 a day per
day with board and clothing for farm
work. Undoubtedly as a whole it is too
much; it makes the pay of the men OF
the ranks look small in comparison; it
is more than the average farmer earns
for himself or ever has earned as an
average for a season; the expense Of
leadership is added.
But again, let us not forget that this
is an extraordinary situation-an alb
normal condition when everything is
out of proportion and bias, time
when we are talking in billions instead
of millions; when we are paying and
exacting unheard Of prices. If t he
hoped-for result is obtained, the price
is not too great.
The experiment is bound to be tried,
let us help it rather than throw stumb-
ling blocks in the way, for one Is as
easy as the other. If real good comes
out of it we shall be glad to have been
identified WITH it. And, as we said at
the start. no one need invest unless he
so desires.