The Devils Lake world. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1920-1982, 1922-03-01


sDaralleled volume and intensity of de-
'termined, if not angry, protest, and an
.ominous swarming of occupational con-
ferences, interest groupings, political
movements and propaganda. Such
turmoil cannot but arrest our atten-
etion. Indeed, 1t demands our careful
study and examination. 1t Is not like
~ that six million aloof and ruggedly
independent men have come together
and banded themselves into active
unions, societies, carm bureaus, and so
forth, for no sufficient cause.
Investigation Of the subject conclu-
sively proves that, while there is much
overstatement of grievances and mis-
conception of remedies, the farmers
are right in complaining of wrongs
long endured, and right in holding that
It is feasible to relieve their ills with
benefit to the rest Of the community.
This being the case of an industry
that contributes, in the raw material
form alone, about one-third Of the ma
donal annual wealth production and
IL the means of livelihood Of about 40
per cent of the population, it is OBJ
.vious that the subject is one Of grave
concern. Not only do the farmers
rake up one-half Of the nation, but
kae well-being Of the other half de-
lends upon them.
So long as we have nations, wise
POLITICAL economy will aim at large
degree of national self-sufficiency and
self-containment. Rome fell when the
food supply was too far removed from
the belly. Like her, we shall destroy
eur own agriculture and extend our
sources Of food distantly and precari-
3usly, If we do not see to it that our
farmers are we'll and fairly paid for
their services. The farm gives the
nation men as we'll as food. Cities
derive their vitality and are forever
renewed from the country, but an i'm
.poverished countryside exports intelli-
sgence and retains unintelligence.
Only the lower grades of mentality
and character will remain on, or seek,
the farm, unless agriculture is capable
Of being pursued with contentment and
adequate compensation. Hence, to en-
bitter and impoverish the farmer is to
dry up and contaminate the vital
sources of the nation.
The war showed convincingly how
dependent the nation is on the full
productivity Of the farms. Despite
2herculean efforts, agricultural produc-
ton kept only few weeks or months
ahead Of consumption, and that only
by increasing the acreage Of certain
staple crops at the cost Of reducing
that Of others. We ought not to for
get that lesson when we ponder on
the farmers problems. They are truly
common problems, and there should
be no attempt to deal with them as
II they were purely selfish demands
OF clear-cut group, antagonistic to
the rest Of the community. Rather
should we consider agriculture in the
Hight Of broad national policy, just
As we consider oil, coal, steel, dye
:stuffs, and SO forth, as sinews of ma
-tional strength. Our growing popula-
tion and higher standard of living
demand increasing food supplies, and
more wool, cotton, hides, and the rest.
With the disappearance OF free or
~cheap fertile land, additional acreage
and increased yields can come only
from costly effort. This we need not
expect from an impoverished or un-
happy rural population.
It will not do to take narrow view
Of the rural discomfort, or to appraise
st from the standpoint Of yesterday.
This is peculiarly an age Of nux and
change and new deals. Because q
thing always has been SO no Longer
means that it is righteous or always
shall be so. More, perhaps, than eve,
Before, there is widespread feeling
that all human relations can be i'm
proved by taking thought, and that II
IL not becoming for the reasoning ami
NAL to leave his destiny largely t
Chance and natural incidence.
Prudent and orderly adjustment O
production and distribution in accord
.ance with consumption Is recognized
rs wise management in every business
but that Of farming. Yet, I venture
to say, there is no other industry IL
which it is so important to the pub
lic-to the city-dweller-that produc
ton should be sure, steady, and in
creasing, and that distribution shout,
be In proportion to the need. The un
organized farmers naturally act blind
ay and impulsively and, in conse
quence, surfeit and dearth, accompa
MED by disconcerting prlce-variations
a1arass the consumer. One year pota
toes rot in the fields because Of excess
production, and there Is scarcity o
the things that have been displace'
to make way for the expansion Of tn
potato acreage; next year the punish
ed farmers mass their fields on som
.other crop, and potatoes enter tn
class of luxurles and so on
Agriculture is the greatest and fur
damentally the most important Of GU
American industries. The cities ar
but the branches of the tree of nj
tional life the roots of which go deer
ly into the land. We all flourish Q
A>oNno with tl,o forp,or CO r,l,nn -,