Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1920-09-30
TENNESSEE FARMERS ADOPT RESOLUTIONS
DISPLAYING ROBUST AMERICAN SPIRIT

/ be enacted by Congress and the State
Legislatures as viii guarantee this
right.
The lrift Of population from cOun-
try "a si,y is not only menace 10 the
future food production OF the nation,
but il threatens the political life OF
the nation. IL Is today the most mo-
mentOus issue before the public. To
the end that effective measures may
be taken 10 check this tendency 10 still
further longest the centers Of pOp0
iatiOn and add fuel 10 the fires OF uif
rest and discomfort, we favor the APP
pOintment, under proper resolution ana
appropriation by the next Legislature,
of a commission composed of farmers
and farm experts, who shall inyesti-
gate such legislation as may be neces-
sary to encourage the ownership Of
farms and 10 develop the rural life So
that it may hold out the same promise
of material rewards and social Op-
pOrtunities that are offered to the
young men and women in the towns
and cities. The increase in tenancy,
placing the most productive lands in
the care and custody of those who are
not vitally concerned about their con-
tinued productivity, and who have no
abiding interest In the community
where they may live, should challenge
the attention of every patriot concern
ed for the economic and political flu
ture of the nation. The commission
above mentioned should be charged
with the duty of investigating and re-
porting upon all progressive legislation
enacted in this and other forward
looking nations of the world for the
encouragement of farm ownership and
the advancement of rural life. Such
investigation should include the sub
iect of rural credits, community
schools, improved roads, better mar
keting facilities, farm taxation and
related subjects.
The State Department of Agricul-
ture should be recognized by the
next Legislature, to the end that 1t
will be the state clearing house for the
agricultural activities of the state. Il
should be patterned upon the model OF
other progressive states, where
State Board of Agriculture, nominated
by the farmers organizations, should
take the place of the present political
organization. The executive head OF
the Bureau of Agriculture should not
he selected by reason of any political
favors already conferred or expected,
but solely with reference to his fit
ness for the task. The salary of such
executive, to be named by the Board
of Agriculture, should he sufficient TO
attract the most capable talent avail
able. No reflection is intended on any
Commissioner of Agriculture, past or
IT, no tam Srni N .
which we protest.
more generous appropriations
should be made for public education,
and particularly for the rural COM
munity schools. 1t should no longer
be necessary for farmers to move
from their farms, turn them over to
the mercieS of tenants, and still
further longest the cities and towns
or permit their children to grow up
in ignorance The university Of the
state. and especially it's college of
agriculture, should be adequately sup
ported, to the end that there may be
developed a rural and farm leadership
that will be capable of competing with
the leadership of any other interest
or industry. Nothing save public ed
ucatiOn will do more to make the
country attractive than good roads,
and we urge that increased state and
Federal aid be given for this purpose. /.
We appreciate the fact that if the
country home is to retain the boys
and girls it must be made more attrac-
tive, therefore, we urge increased APP
preparations for additional instructors
in rural sanitation, in rural hygiene,
in home economics, and for lectures
on rural life.
-. J. FINNEY, Chairman.
"F. Fl. DUNKLIN
81 HOMER HANCOCK"