The Washington times., 1918-06-12

farmers wishing that thew had tractor for farm work
Each of these farmers could increase food production 1t
were possible for him to obtain the services OF tractor
when needed
The tractor is expensive it requires technical care
II the farmer buys it for his own use it Is idle the
greater part of the rustng oeterloratng losing IN
terest on the investment
Governments of States and the Government Of the
United States should purchase tractors many as the
farmers need put them where the farmers can get the use
Of them with competent operatorsrst come rs served
and at the lowest price that would pay the Government
rate of interest and sinking fund Tor renewals
Men of middle age can run tractors and take good
care of them The Government could easily ma the
midde-aged men to undertake this work.
State governments purchase stations to improve the
breed of horses and allow farmers the Of these
selected animals, at a moderate charge
The horse is becoming thing OF the past the tractor
Governments National and State should see that no
acre of ground goes uncutvated farmer cut down in
his possibilities for lack of tractors and other machinery
In addition to the use of tractors, the Government
should supply for hauling in the rush automobiles
and wagons to and from the farm between farm and rail-
road stations and markets
ing as well for pulling the ploW and harrow and
running machinery on the farm
way as to pull heavy loads along the roads without nrng
One ordinary tractor could pull dozen farm wagons
saving the work of dozen teams and dozen drivers
The constant demand made upon the farmer Is in
crease your output"
nation COOPERATE WITH ME, put to work the trac-
tors already manufactured that lying idle. Give me
chance to hire and pay fair price for what need when
need it and will show you what can produce.
President Wilson and Mr.. Houston, his Secretary of
Agriculture earnestly interested In the farmers welfare
willing do everything possible to facilitate the one great
important work of this countyfeedng Europe and our
Members of Congress representing farming districts
should take up with the Government this important matter Of
supplying machinery to the farmers that they themselves are
oII IN adv
Mr. Houston Secretary of Agriculture, deserves the
thanks of the farmers and of the country for his energy
securing priority for raw materials used In making farm
implements and also priority of transportation
have been informed that the State Council of Defense
of Maryland last winter purchased four tractors to be used
in preparing land for wheatwo of the tractors in Kent
county one each in Cecil and Hartford counties.
That is excellent example and good beginning It
.lould be multiplied by hundred thousand
The tractors State owned should be used first for the
.arlcc-5 blowing, cultivatng their fields
Second the farmers hauling to and from the station
leaving the farmer his and his always at work
id for farmers supplying power for silOs threshing
--h---ry etc.
When the farmers work is done if the tractor has any
idle time could be put to work on the roads not only
making the roads better but blowing narrowing the sides
Of the roads, cutting down weeds and brush
Every roadside In the country should be planted with
clover other crop This would eliminate the weed
pests that double the farmers work
Each of land should be made responsible for his
own weeds And the well cultivated clover and grass edges
Of the country roads should be opened pasurge the
farmer, opened to be cut as hay.
Millions of sheep could be fed on the roadsdes of this
county-f the dogs could be eliminated controlled
And even that is not impossible.
The farms andthe farmers have been neglected States
manshp has confined itself largely to telling the farmer
what he ought to do.
Craftsmanship should occupy itself now HELPING
THE FARMER with the task that rests upon him
first step would be tractors bought by the State and
the Nation. There are many excellent machines made
There thousands Of them lying idle because nobody
viii buy them and put them to work.
is disgrace to have this energy, this possibility Of
food production going to waste.
Members Of Congress should deal with this matter and
take up energeticay They will lack sympathetic
cooperation from the President Of the United States
ARTHUR RRISRANE