Putnam patriot. [volume] (Putnam, Conn.) 1872-1962, 1923-08-31
MORTLAkE TELLS
OF FARM DECREASE


the state ineurs in fostering it. There
Is something wrong somewhere. The
number of farms in the state have de
creased in the deeennial period from
1910 to 1920 from 26,S15 to 22,655.
I This is "A decrease of AGO farms. If
I that rate of decrease in the number Of
+ farms keeps up the present generation
will see most of the land-and the
greater part Of IL is fertile. some of
I il being of remarkable fertility-re-
turn 20 the primeval wilderness from
which il was reclaimed by the hardy,
industrious ancestors of those who
have abandoned their heritage.
Windham County Decrease Less
Windham County people will be
pat ciiiaTiy Interested 10 note that
the decrease in the number Of farms
in Windham County was less, and
considerably less too, than in any 9th
er county. That fact should be empha-
sized TO the credit of the sturdy men
and the thrifty women of Windham
sDunty. The reduction in Mindhan;
County was i42 and the smallest de-
crease was in Holland County where
it was 1874. The greatest decrease was
in New Haven County where it was
,063. Hartford County had decrease
Of SOL, Fairfield ISL, New London 2S3,
Litchfield 796 and Middlesex 440.
II is, perhaps, TO be regretted that
these distressing facts in regard to
farming were not published when the
general assembly of 1928 was in ses-
sion. They might have suggested the
question when appropriations were
asked for agricultural purposes:
What have you given the state for
the appropriations that have been
voted in the past?" The question
might have provoked a discussion in
the house, where the farmers were IN
control, or in the senate where the
controlling influence was exercised by
the cities and other centers Of popula-
ton, that would have thrown a light
on the situation.
Death of c. d. Hine
The late Charles d. Hine. the for
mer secretary Of state board Of edu-
cation, was not a native Of Windham
County, but il was his favorite county
for vacations. He had property inter
ests in Eastford and he had a wide
circle of acquaintance in the county.
His retirement few years since from
the secrefaryship owing 10 the infirmi-
ties which are incidental 10 advancing
years, was regretted by the members
Of the state board of education and by
no one more sincerely han that by
Windham County's representative on
the board, Charles l.. Torrey, of Put
nam. When the new board was or
ganized a short time since Mr. Hine
was in thorough aerord with the poll
cies. but he felt that he was not physi-
labor which the putting Of them into
cally strong enough to undertake the
effect involved. Mr.. Hire was a use
ful and faithful servant Of the state.
MIR. Rorsbsek Returns
Now that Mr. Roraback has re-
turned from Europe we may expect
that an impetus viii be given 20 re-
publican activities. In few weeks
the summer vacations will have end
cd and normal business in every phase
Of activity will be resumed. Next year
will be presidential year and the fall
elections Of 1924 viii have a greater
Importance than those Of last year
when there was only state ticket in
the field. Mr. R0raback and his aSso-
ciates IN the republican party realize
that preparations for the campaign
next year cannot be begun too soon.
In the opinion OF some people the poll
ucai situation next year may resem-
bic that Of the progressive year when
the republican ticket was defeated by
the detection of republicans.
The conditions in Connecticut at
the present time indicate a difference
Of opinion in both parties. If the re-
publican party win have its insur-
gents the democratic party will have
its dissenticnts. The talk In political
circles around the state now is that
the tariff question will oyershadow
every other issue. II the republicans
Of the state are wise they will give
that question the prominence in the