The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-10-22
AGR| CULTURE AND
THE NEW DAY

ht N[W URlI
The farm labor shortage did not !
come upon US over night. II is an
incident to the unsettled economic po- /
sition Of the agricultural industry
For the past 20 years there has been
steady movement of our population /
from the country 10 the city. During
the past few years this movement
has been more pronounced.
The unusual conditions imposed by
changes Of industry due to war the
military mobilization of farmer boys
their sojourn in Europe and their u
innate release in our larger cities
have combined TO hasten the inevitable
and to make the farm labor problem
an acute one before the country has
had time 10 readjust Itself.
For the past five years the farmer
has been right up against direct COM
petition with industry for labor. High
ly specialized manufacturing and au-
tomato labor saving machinery have
made it possible for industry to util-
ize the services OF vast boards of un-
skilled farmer boys.
Before agriculture can successfully
compete with industry for labor there
must be an equalization in wages ano
living conditions. Farm wages must, 20
up or Industrial wages must go down.
Farm wages cannot be increased
unless agriculture receives rewards
equal to those OF industry for like in
vCstment. risk and skill.
Industrial wages cannot go down
except through a reduction in the high
cost Of living-an increased number
OF laborers--or a decrease in the de,
mand for manufactured products
Even though the past seasons cror
exceeded expectations and even though
there may have tten a surplus Il har-
vest hands in certain sections il is
mistake 10 conclude that the farm
labor problem has been solved A
normal pre-war production of food /,
not sufficient.
During the five years that have
elapsed since the beginning of hos
tilities and for the next five or ten
years that will be required to re-
hahilitate European agriculture, the
worlds annual food demand will have
steadily increased.
Prior to the war, Europe produced
over 60 per cent of all the bread grains
Of the world. Europe has been de
vastated and crippled as result o'
the conflict. 1t is up TO America &c
meet the emergency.
One Of the greatest problems IL
labor. Ii cannot be solved with mar
power at wages in competition with
our artificially stimulated industries.
There Is but one reason why peopl,
leave the farm-they have reasonable
hopes OF bettering their condition else
where. Anyone who would not dill
gently pursue such a hope is to b,
censored for lack of prudence. II Il
duty that every man owes to him
self and his family.
The sociological progress of agri
culture hasn't kept pace with the so
Geological progress OF industry.
There Is but one sure way to ge
men and women back TO the farm
, and that Is to guarantee to farminI
return which will make It suffi
ciently attractve-not entirely in tn
matter of money, but in all thos
things that make life more worth liv
ing.
Men are naturally gregarious. Tn
rule Of the white lights and socia
life OF the city have always held ou
attractions to the youth Of the lane
Booster clubs, metropolitan newspa
pers, magazines. etc. have combine
10 popularize the city as a place {
live. Popular fiction and biographies
studies have unwittingly influence
the mind Of the younger generation
away from the soil. Sensational pres
reports have served to exaggerate tn
inequality Of hours and living cond
tons between country and city. tn
city has been advertised beyond q
reason.
Youth Is ambitious and relentles.
The appeal of the printed word
strong. The desire TO yet somethln
for nothing-to earn u living withou
the prescribed sweat OF the brow
strong human characteristic tina
is more or less evident In all Of VI
The given or implied promise o1
soft job, attractive hours. with bi
pay has tempted the farmer la
10 forsake the old homestead.
The automobile has brought IN
farmer boy In direct touch wit
metropolitan life. The barrier Of dl,
tance that has heretofore separate
the country from the city has bee
eliminated. The younger generatIo
sees the contrast In the form Of ~
perficlal attractions and the tempts
ton ~ too strong to resist
There Is no spectacular side {
country life. II has 10 do with funds
mentals. The farmer has no false idol
The advantages OF the city are o
the surface-they attract the eye an
temporarily intoxicats the brain. Tn