Norwich bulletin., 1917-05-11

problem that confronts all races. na- | tive or foreign.
 1 This is not a matter of providential exigency for nothing is providentially | lacking or incomplete for all results are dependent upon the use, abuse or neglect of the visible means at human | command. The revolting and de- vaStat ting fanines of India C7sre the same neglect will affect any part of | the universe that negiects that vital | privilege. Provi1ential Wisdom ad- ministers it's chastisemehts only upon | offenders, whether local or universal and the same results will attend the same ca uses.
 1 The food problem would seem to be 1 far less problematic than the national l or international readjustnent. The more remote farming is mostly con- ducted by a few old survivors who have passed the age of physical man hood, scarcely able to maintain and produce their immediate family Heces- sities. No surplus food can reason ably be expected from such sources except they be reinforced with phys1- ral aid. Their former dependents, for whom they have toiled early and late have been lured to other fields of ser vice. perhaps more lucrative, often
 much less so. as many farm deserter can testify.
 This is an opportunity rich with possibilities for thousands of youth and young manhood to enter upoil st course of practical and educational service that has been the beginning and foundation for future success of many distinguished men in the most important walks of life.
 No occupation demands the use and activity of so many hidden talents as that of systematic agriculture. Its first fruit to the young is in the deVelccs- ment of physical strength and constt- tuition that renders him immune from tI,1 -IcI7 on crowded settlements.
 It is q comprehensive school of de- velopfnent mentally as well as physi- cally, not less, economfcally.
 Agricultural slavery is a thing Of the past. but it accomplished it's work of desertion before the advent of mod ern implements that supplement every phase of human service in toll or so- ciaI entertainment.
 The grange, parish socials, and lawn fetes are the wholesome. attractive features of most rural communities at this day. and are free from caste. sect, or seclusion. Strangers arc welcome on their first settlement. but neigh bors and friends ever after.
 But the design of these allusions is primarily to help solv-e the food prob lem, and I know of no other method than that suggested by the return to the soil, especially the young stu dent class that has, nc special calling or obligation. They will ffrd hearty welcome and enjoy the Freedom Of household as ifi their parental home, and at the end Of the season can pur- ste with renewed strength and quick ened intellect the study or course that may seem most promising or consen- tai. But they must not expect to be renunerated with expert wages with all other advantages and personal sup port.
 Such a course would be beneficial to hundreds of lads from twelve to six teen years of age, who while away the summer months in sports or mischief, contra cting the usual routine of hab- its prevalent in city life. All useless, unnecessary habits are more or less expensive, aside from establishing features of personal slavery from which release is singularly rare.
 t'To the soil'' is the slogan that will solve the paramount problem of the season and entirely eliminate the gravest danger that faces us with other portions of the world.
 H. F. PALMER.
 Norwich, May 10, 1917.