The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1919-12-04

At first glance ii appears manifestly unfair
that small IN amount of the park lands was
put TO work As matter of fact the whole
matter was handled with thorough British jus
tice; whcreveS park lands were found that should
have been plowed the land plowed. More
viii be cultivated in peace time it is generally
believed.
In order TO satisfy popular demand in some
sections thousands Of acres of grass lands We're
plowed uneconomically largely for the purpose
Of conducting the "mcre-food crusade in a man
that appeared fair TO the smaller landholders
There is talk now, and the plan will probably
be carried out of bringing the ducal parks, with
large wooded areas, into general scheme of pro
ductve forestry In order To increase the national
resources. The earl Of Selhournes plan, which
follows, appears popular, however. On many OF
the old places venerable trees were sacrificed
during the war 10 fill the need for lumber.
Special Committee Makes investigation.
At the direction of the British government a
special committee. headed by the earl of Sci
bourne has Investigated the whole farming stu
alton In England and has submitted its report.
1t is interesting to note that the committee
asks for the provision Of good cottages for agri-
cultural laborers with ample gardens attached to
Them
Hereafter, If the recommendations of the COM
mittee are carried out the state will To it that
no land suitable for farming will be used for golf
links.
at must he clearly understood" the report
reads, that hcnceforth bad farming is danger
10 the state and that the waste Of good land on
game games is Inconsistent with patriotism.
There viii be plenty of room for game golf
but too much game. golf links carved out of fat
land, make an nroad on the production of food
stuffs which can no longer be defended
Mind you, this admonition is not addressed TO
England at war, hut to England at peace, and the
report as a whole is an effort to guide Engand's
new-found farming industry through the trying
days Of reconstruction
Minimum Wage Proposed.
For the farm hand there should be regulated
minimum wage set by duly appointed wage
boards in each administrative county, acting in
conjunction with the local government officials, as
well as acting tremendously with the wage boards
in adjoining counties
The impartial eye of the committee rests on
the great estate and park evil, where two-hrds of
Englands acres rest, virtually uncultvated, and
the recommendation is made, with careful Of
phraseology in order to completely cover the case
that these untitled lands he taken over by the
board of agriculture, acting for the government,
and system of crops planted under the direction
of an expert estate manager.
Three years warning should be given the estate
owner and then If nothing has been done toward
actual farming, the estate goes into government
management for period of only five years, how
ever
Committees, appointed locally, TO judge on
the capabty of tenant farmers, and where such
men found negligent, wanting in proper
knowledge of competent cultivation, the tenant
can be evicted.
Back of all this is the knowledge that great
things were accomplished in agriculture during
the war days; that England fair farming
country until the middle of the last century and
that neghboring European countries have sue
ceedeG in establishing farming a profitable
basis. So the men at the helm feel confident that
with prudent legislation the future of farming
can be assured in England.