The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-09-08
HARDING.

tion-which means that we shall grow
within our own boundaries all of the
staple food products needed to maintain
the highest type of civilization-or
whether we shall continue to exploit
our agricultural resources for the beno-
At of our industrial and commercial
life. and leave to posterity the task of
finding food enough. by strong arm
methods, II necessary, to support the
coming hundreds of millions. believe
in the self sustaining, Independent, self
reliant nation, gagriculturally, industri-
guarantors of our own security and are
equal TO the task.
Other Alternative An Unhappy One.
If we should unhappily choose tho
course OF industrial and commercial
promotion at the expense of agriculture,
cities will continue to grow at the ex-
pense of the rural community, agri-
culture will finally break down and in
evitably destroy the finest rural Civili-
cation, with the greatest possibilities.
the world has ever seen Decreased
farm production will make dear food
and we shall be obliged to send our
ships to far away nations in search OF
cheap foodstufs, the importation of
which is sure to intensity agricultural
discouragement and distress Mt home.
Ultimately there will come the same
fatal breakdown, and from the same
causes, which has destroyed the great
civilizations OF centuries past.
IF, on the other hand. we shall deter
mine to build up here self sustaining
nation-and what lover Of his country
can make a different choice?-then we
must at once set about the develop
ment OF a system of agriculture which
will enable us to feed our people abun-
dainty, with some to spare for export
in years Of plenty, and at prices which
will insure to the farmer and his fam
tI,, IntI a,,n al nY-1g nd aHI
tional. social and religious living condi-
tons fairly comparable to those offered
by the cities. A sound system Of agri-
culture cannot be maintained on any
other basis Anything short OF fair
return upon invested capital and n fair
wage for the lsbor which goes into the
crops. and enough in addition to enable
the farmer to maintain the fertility or
his soil, and insure against natural
hazards will drive large numbers Of
farmers to the cities
A Frank Recognition Necessary.
A frank recognition by all Of our
people of this fundamental truth is
necessary, II we are successfully to
work out this great national problem.
1t is a matter OF even greater concern
to the people of the cities than to the
farmer and the farm community. II we
can not by painstaking study and wise
craftsmanship arrive at such UNDER
standing and application of economic
laws as will enable us to bring about
a fair balance between our urban and
rural industries. bringing prosperity to
both AMI permitting neither TO fatten at
the expense Of the other, we can not
hope for concord, and without concord
there Is no assurance for the future.
Heretofore the farmer has been an
Individuaist. Living a somewhat iso-
lated life and being compelled to work
long hours, It has not been easy for MIN
to gather with his fellows He has not
had a ready means OF defense against
the strong organizations OF both capital
and labor. which in their own interest
have at times imposed unfair condition
upon him. It is true that at times,
during the past fifty years. there have
been temporary farmer organizations
brought together to combat some un-
usually burdensome condition but us
ually breaking down when the emer-
gency has passed.
Organization Developing.
But OF late years there have sprung
up farmer organizations OF quite dif-
ferent sort--organiZations with very
large membership. with an aggressive
and intelligent leadership. and with
way OF raising whatever funds they may
nnd necessary to promote the interests
OF their members The leaders Of these
organizations are learning rapidly how
to adapt their work TO methods which
business men and working men have
found successful in furthering their own
interests. The fruit growers OF the
western coast have become so strong
that they are now able not only 20 do
away with many OF the expenses here
tofore paid to others, but also TO in
fuence tie price OF their products, The
grain growers OF the west and northwest
have become strong enough 10 bring
about many changes they desired In the
,Isat1 loo - I,atN n 70 ny
OF the corn belt states are rapidly per-
fectinE the most powerful organization
OF farmers ever known in this country.
All OF these are natural Developments
IN the evolving change OF relationship
and the modern complexities OF produc-
tivity and exchange.
Our Business Not To Destroy.
II IL more than conceivable. Il Is APP
parent. that we are able TO deal more
wisely and mnrn msilY with our ncrlcml-