The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1921-08-19
LAR GE ATTENDANCE
COUNTY, WIDE PICNIC
COMMUNITY SPIRIT QUICKENED
THROUGH DISCUSSION OF
FARM PROBLEMS.

the local farm bureau assisted by the
business men of Madison.
The day was ideal for such a gath
ering and only high wind rocking
the waters of the lake considerably,
initiated against the fullest enjoy
ment of the day. On account of the
disturbed condition of the lake there
was neither boating nor fishing, con-
sequently those forms of diversion
were offset by baseball games, dane
ing, quot pitching and taking
chances on winning live ducks and
sacks of Little Hatchet flour.
By noon the park was well filled
with a quiet, orderly crowd that sep
arated into neighborly groups here
and there for the picnic dinner made
all the more appetizing be an abund-
ance of free coffee supplied by gen.
erous Madison grocers and business
men.
With the exception of one person
all of the speakers advertised to APP
pear on the program were present
der the wide spreading boughs of
native trees and speaking from the
running board of an auto, well known
men from the county and state began
their discussion of the farmers prob
lens.
AS program leader, Col. l.. G. Ath-
erton courteously thanked Madison
men for closing their stores and en-
tering into the spirit of the day. He
next introduced, in turn, the differ
ent speakers, himself taking lead
ing subject in the absence of John
Belk, of Henry.
Mr.. Kumlein of the State college
at Brookings gave in detail an out
line of the farmers economical con-
dition as it exists today. He is sure
the farmer isn't getting fair returns
on his investment of money, time
and service and believes the remedy
lies in better marketing facilities,
adequate transportation and favor
able legislation. A close study of the
costs of production was suggested.
In this the state department at
Pierre, the State college and the
State Federation of Farm Bureaus
are ready to assist. The other fellow
has been grading, marketing and
handling the selling problem mimic
ally to the producers best interests
and because of this, farming staggers
along with ruinous profits and total
ly subtracted from fair share of the
consumers dollar. Commodity or
ganizations and committees are now
ready to shoulder the problems thru
simplifying and unifying methods,
more practical. reaching the desired
detectives of relief In closing Mr..
'Kumlein stated tbat standards of liv-
ing could only be raised through fair
prices above production costs.
President w. e. Johnson. of the
State college complimented his au-
ditors for their hopeful optimism, re-
marking also that such spirit was
a saving grace at hits critical time
of financial depression and disturbed
economic conditions. Speaking OF
educational opportunities for the
boys and girls of the farm, Mr.. John
son deplored present encouragement
and any announced intention OF
changing occupation for better pros
poets. This attitude leaves bad
impression on the boy and girl who
are thus more easily lured to avoca-
tions in cities. Abiding interest In
our fundamental industry of agricul-
tural pursuit form together the basis
of the solution of proper develop
ment for boys and girls of the farm,
Of 5000 rural school children in
South Dakota only 1000 complete
eighth grade work. High time for
pursuing courses in agriculture thai
offer more opportunities than any
other line of training. President
Johnson had an opportunity to meet
many of Lake county's leading men
who recognize in him an able cham
pion of educational ideals that FL
into the present day scheme of agri-
cultural progress.
No speaker of the day as more
cordially received than Mr.. Hill, pre-
sident of the State federation OF farm
bureaus and the man who represent
ed South Dakota on the committee
that conferred with President Hard
ing in Washington. Mr.. Hill boasts
of his clinging farmer-like character
istics, yet he leaves the impression
of a level headed business man COM
putting the. chances for success OF a
mighty proposition. He is the voice
and hope Of the South Dakota farm
ers whose interests he is pledged te
serve. He is dirt farmer with his
feet on facts and having capability
for leadership, and grasp on prob.
lens that are sure to pull the agri.
cultural contingent out of the quag'
mire of depression, doubt and dis