Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1918-12-26

ton expressed the view that agricul-
ture was probably the bsst prepared |
Industry In the nation when the war
came and that It would be the first |
to readjust itself to after-war condi-
lions, although he is inclined to feel
that neither the farm nor the farmer
can ever get back to the precise con-
diton that existed before the war.
Secretary Houston also stated that
In his opinion one OF the vitalIy i'm
portant measures of the reconstruc-
ton period is public highway i'm
provement and he suggested that, for
that reason, such work should be re-
sumed as soon as possible. 1t ap-
pears that under the act above men
toned Federal and State funds which
although appropriated for the build
ing or roads have not been expended
because OF war conditions, will
amount during the present year to
approximately 75,600,0OO and II is
the Secretary's view that roadbuild-
Ing constitutes a worthy project on
which to employ a large portion Of
the surplus labor supply likely to re-
suit from the shutting down of war
Industries and the rehabilitation OF
the army.
With reference to credit unions the
Secretary called attention to the fact
that, although farmers with proper
security can readily obtain loans
from the Farm Loan Banks, some
convenient means should be provided
for the furnishing OF financial assist
ance to farmers who are not In a
position to furnish real-estate secur-
ity for such loans. In this connec-
tion he suggests that personal credit
unions, established preferably by the
State Governments would satisfactor-
lily answer the purpose.
Regarding the matter OF land for
returning soldiers who wish to take
up farming. the Secretary stated that
he considers II important that the
Federal and Safe governments shall
furnish reliable information and
agricultural guidance to such per.
sons and promote we'll considered set
tlement plans.
With reference to the matter o.
, farm ownership. Mr.. Houston sale
that he believes the process OF ac
quiring ownership OF farms shoult
be encouraged and that tenanc,
should be regarded not merely as |
temporary matter but as a step to
ward ownership.
The Secretary's suggestion witt
, reference to the extension of tn
benefits OF sanitation and moderl
medicine to rural districts Is particu
larly timely and, in our opinion. ca
not be too strongly advocated and pre-
, NOTED. The widespread need OF sue
' action has been clearly demonstrate
(, by the surveys and otherr work In
. cident TO the sanitation measures tai
T en- for the protection OF the healt
: OF our soldiers In the many trainin
camps. established Throughout I'll
r country during the war. For man
: years the Federal Government an
v the governments OF the differeI
n states and municipalities OF the coul
a try have devoted much attention an
r expended large sums OF money Il
, the protection of the health OF Il
Y people OF our cities. Certainly tho
who live In the rural sections OF Il
a country are equally entitled to sue
n protection and moreover. since Il
>. war has emphasized as never befc
a the tremendously important pa
d which the food products OF the far
a play In the matter Of the welfare
q the world. II is OF universal fntere
q and Importance that everything pc
sible be done to provide for q
r health. prosperity and general we
II being OF the food producers OF {
II country