Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1920-08-11
Delaware County Farm Bureau

| gram was carried out in the auditor
| ium OF the Methodist church, at which
time Mr.. H. G.. Houghen, Secretary OF
| the Agricultural Committee, Washing
ton, D. c., and Mr.. E. H. Cunningham
Secretary of the Iowa Fam Bureau
| Federation, were present.
Mr.. Houghen indicated the wonder
full resources of Iowa and national
agriculture and the part that we are
playing in the Worlds Fair. However,
his greatest message to the people was
the fact that the agriculture commune
ties should endeavor to make their
home life more inviting, and their
farm should be placed on a partner
ship basis in order to hold the young
folks on the farm Not that all child
,ren on the farm are going to remin
rem on the farm are going to remain
farmers, but that the percentage that
does not should be trained and en-
couraged in the proper management
and conservation of the greatest re-
Source,-the soil.
The influence of city life has been
most distressing to agricultural con-
ditions, especially in the neighborhood
of larger cities. This is evidenced by
the fact of large number of vacant
farms in Michigan, New York State
and other states where manufacturing
interests are carried on. He also
states that every child should be
taught that work is one of the greatest
privileges of the human family and
not something to be Stunned. If all
the laborers in the United States were
imbued with the thought of rendering
an honest days work conditions would
be much more favorable than they are
at present Observe the integrity of
the home; encourage love of work
and provide satisfactory working con-
ditions on the farm. Farming will
then prosper.
Mr.. Cunningham in the brief time
which was allotted him, indicated the
growth and purpose OF the Farm
Bureau movement Emphasis was plac-
ed upon the need of greater co-opera-
ton among farmers in the promotion
of their business. The marketing OF
farm products was mentioned as one
of the greatest pieces of work now
before the State and National Farm
Bureau. An effort will be made to
place the farmers business on cost
plus bisis in order that his business
may prosper and enjoy the same privi-
leges as other lines of business.
1t was mentioned that a start has
been made to secure cost accounts
in a very definite and accurate man.
ner in Marshall County, at which
place the Farm Bureau is maintain
ing specialist who visits number
of selected farms where the days
business is properly tabulated. A very
accurate set of books are being main
tanned on these farms which includes
the cost of operation and the market
ing. The intention is next year TO
expand this idea in several districts
over the state. A special effort Is
being made to conduct the work on
the different soil types and under
different enviromental conditions. In
this manner mass OF information
Will eventually be secured which Will
stand the acid test in the Court OF
Justice in demanding a fair return
for farm enterprises.
Mr.. Cunningham also made mention
of the fact that some OF the larger
industries in the country should be
made to place their books on the table,
open for public inspection. Special
reference was made to the coal indus
try. Coal operators have maintained
that they were not in position to grant
the increased wage to miners, yet made
no effort to indicate why they We're
not in position to pay increase but
that it should be borne by the public
Mr.. Cunningham quoted figures show
ing that practically all coal operators
had made enormous profits, some
having made as high as one or two
thousand per cent. A large number
fell within the classification or Two
to five hundred per cent. These figures
were secured from reports OF excess
profit returns.
Mr.. Cunningham also believes that
all corporation should be entitled to
fair income and that there is no JUS
tice in excessive profits, and that the
public should demand that these con-
ditions be righted. No doubt the Farm
Bureau of the future will demand
that labor, capital, and producer place
their cards on the table for inspection
in order that a reasonable and just
compensation may be arrived at.
Mr.. Cunningham stated that the
Township Farm Bureaus maintain
their regular meetings and that every
farmer in the township should be
made part of the Farm Bureau move
ment and that people should get to-
gether more often and become versed
on not only their local but national
problems. 1t is very essential that