The New York herald., 1921-09-18
METHODISTS PLAN
PEON FARM SCHOOL
Bishop Thirkield Of Mexico
City Says Scheme Has Obre-
CONS Approval.
TO EDUCATE 10,O00,00O
To Make Them Land Owners
and Capable of Thinking
for Themselves.
TO EDUCATE 10000, 1000

ABINGDON, ILL.,. Sept 17.-Esta blish-
ment OF farm school for the poems
OF Mexico, the first OF it's kind in that
country, is planned BY the Methodist
Episcopal Church, Bishop Wilbur r..
Thirkield Of Mexico City announced a;
the Central Illinois Conference here to-
day. The short way TO civilization in
Mexico. he declared. Is through the
training Of farmers in practical agricul-
ture, and he reported that III two per-
sonal conferences President Obregon
had given him strong endorsement OF
the plan.
Land for demonstration farm at a
strategic point at Queritaro has already
been acquired and plans for the school
building have been drawn.
The fundamental problem OF Mexico
Is that OF the peons," Bishop Thirkield
said. Until these ten millions can be
reached and lifted into broader and
stronger life the republic is not safe
For century the peon has been used
as the tool OF evolutionary leaders. A
new peon, conscious OF liberty. with
some glimmering conception of human
rights, has come to the front.
'"The question now Is into what chan
nels this fresh. surging. tumultuous, un-
disciplined life shall be turned. As q
new social and political force the peon
must be reckoned with.
"The seat Of unrest and peril Is in
the poverty of the landless peon. The
only stable basis for a democracy in
Mexico Is the creation of large group
OF small land owners
president Obregon's new programme
for Mexico has In view the purchase OF
some of the vast tracts of land and
their sale on long terms to the peon
class. Gully protecting them in tncir
holdings. To make this a permanent
success the peon needs practical train
ing as a farmer. He has to-day neither
the initiative nor the knowledge and
ski. TO win permanent success. The
States neglect Of training In agricul-
ture Is to be ccplored
president Obregon sees that there Is
a relation between improved crops and
social betterment. These soldier enduring
conditions OF life must spring from the
soil And agriculture as an industry is
basic in Mexico. Really the principal
industry in Mexico Is agriculture, and
it has vast unrealized possibilities"
OF the aims of the school, Bishop
Thirkield said THE entire work will
be practical No college of agriculture
is planned. Students will be given
courses In the elements OF practical
farming. Teachers Of farming will also
be taught.
First of all. the development of up
right stable character in the students
will be kept in view. Industry. patience.
thrift cooperation fidelity and honesty
will be taught.
1T Is also proposed to have short
courses for farmers to teach them better
methods. Institutes and farmers con-
ferences will be held, and through ex-
tension work as wide range of terri
tory will be covered as is practical
Courses in the preservation of fruits and
other foods, canning, &C., viii be given.
"The Tuskegee idea in training young
men to self-support through practical
labor as part of their school work will
be emphasized. Students will be trained
In the fundamental branches In a neigh
boring academy now doing efficient work
under n successful Mexican educator.
"Such a farm school with adequate
eqipment and endowment would soon
make it's influence felt in every State OF
Mexico. 1t Is the quickest way TO
countcract the movement toward the
city In the Long run 1t would have a
strong influence on the education of the
masses through the common schools"
The peon, even now, is more success
full as an independent farmer than many
realize. Bishop Thirkield added.