Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-12-14
Helping the Farmer

Too many people arc in the business OF helping
the farmer, is the contention Of L. c. Richardson, field
editor Of Farm and Ranch, recognized as one Of the
foremost farm authorities in the state.
Second only to baseball, helping the farmer is the
great American SPORT Richardson asserts in an article
IN the current issue Of Farm and Ranch. Maybe 1t
takes first place, for IL u a yesr-round game, while
baseball and football together do not fill the twelve
months. Its dcvotees range all the way from the coun-
try schoolhouse, where the farmer and his family in
dnlge IN more or less self help, TO the national capitol.
where the two major parties match farm relief plat
forms with each other. In between We find farm or
CARNATIONS u various hues-chambers OF commerce
and luncheon clubs in the towns and cities; private
corporations in numerous lines which maintain agri-
cultural departments; agricultural colleges with their
teaching, research and extension activities; and finally,
the United States Department Of Agriculture with d.
visions and bureaus too numerous to mention. Even
the Department Of the Interior has "A hand in farm az
fairs. II has been stated on good authority that for
every 1,4oO farmers there is = government employee II
agricultural service"
It must be admitted that this medley Of services.
gratuitously offered, Is rather confusing to the farm.
ers, and IL must be further admitted that many OF
these services are unnecessary and misdirccted. But
the business Of making the farmers business the ma
tions business has not been wholly unproductive IF
good results.
Farming is not the only business or industry which
has a vast horde Of "rooterS" standing on the side
lines endeavoring to direct the game. Newspapers
also are the recipients of similar gratuitous service and
advice. as every publisher or editor will attest; and.
In fact, there is no line Of human endeavor which is
rot under an almost constant, barrage Of criticism or
advice. 1t Is always the Outsider" who is afflicted
with the belief that he knows best how a business or
industry should be conducted. and 10 il only a human
characteristic to take note OF what others are doing
and g offer criticisms, suggestions or opinions.
The past decade has been marked by radical i'm
proyement in agricultural methods, better home and
housing conditions, tightening Of farm labor, extension
of rural schools. establishment Of facilities which in
many sections eual those Of the cities. In fact, in many
Of the rural communities conditions have been com
rletely Transformed. This transformation has not been
the result ~ unaidcd effort On the part or the farm
ers. 1t has been the result Of closer cooperation be-
tween the urban and rural sections. the broader ideas
Of the rising generation. educational advancement and
the efforts Of rural communities 10 gain that broader
life which heretofore has been denied them.
Advance IN practically every branch Of American
life and industry IA due 20 the cooperative spirit. the
interest the American people are taking in the affairs
Of each other. Much Of this interest may be construed
As unnecessary or misplaced, but there can be no doubt
that the intent is one Of helpfulness.