Year: 1872

In reading, recently, one Of the
English reprints, we were greatly inter
ested in an article contributed by NJ
Emile de Laveleye, to a French mara
zine, in which an account il piven NJ
the progress made by Prussia during
fifty years of peace. from which lesson
may be drawn useful 10 American vorng
men. Prussia has recently risen 10
high position among the nations Of the
earth. Her schools have ALWAYS been
models Of perfection, and her children
are probably better educated than those
OF any other nation. She even exceIs
New England. But il is now our purpose
to consider her agricultural interests. or.
rather, her agricultural laborers. In
The United States other professions have
been too often considered more honor
able than farming, especially by our
young men. 1t IS not 50 In Prussia.
The article to which allusion has been
made says that nearly all the land own
ers cultivate their own estates. Such is
the rule, and renting detached portions
is the exception. The care of their own
estates keep them at home. We know
that nothing more imperiously requires
the eye of a master man than rural in
dustry.


The educated young men Of Prussia,
those belonging 10 the first families and
just leaving an agricultural college, re-
main for a certain time on some large
estate to learn practical lessons which
shall fit them for the management Of
their own estates. This is an ancient
custom, the novitiate being still pre-
served in many trades. They do not do
things by halves as we do in this coun-
try, running headlong into business we
know nothing about The son of a rich
hOtel-kceeper will not hesitate 10 enter
another hotel as butler or waiter to be
initiated intoa the details of the service,
over which he viii one day preside In
visiting the farms in that country, it is
said that Americans are astonished TO
see the son Of banker, a baron or a
rich land owner, the superintendent who
works himself, and not merely struts
about as q lord These educated young
men feel it no disgrace to drive a cart or
hold a plow. At noon they return home.
groom their horses and then go and dress
themselves and dine at their owners
table, tn whom they are not inferior,
either in instruction, birth or manners.
After their meals they resume their
working dress and return TO their rustic
occupation, never once thinking of be-
ing ashamed of their lab0rs.


Thus in feudal Prussia are found
examples worthy of imitation in our
own democratic country. We can learn
valuable lessons from such people.
There is a wide contrast between the
young men Of our country and those of
Prussia. The truth is too many Of our
young men. even in Vermont, are anxi-
GUS to get living outside of the produc-
ing classes. They do not feel ashamed
~ ifbtHttfftts yLL @tA44i ~ lAAl IL a
to proavce This is a besetting and
growing evil in all sections of the land.
To feel and believe that his dignity is
compromised i'll performing farm or
mechanical labor is an unfortunate con-
ditlon for any young man to be placed
in. Our young men may be assured
that agriculture is a very honorable en-
ployment. and is growing more and more
honorable every day.


Let them read the history Of Prussia,
whose young men are 4 glory and an
honor to any nation. Let them follow
the noble examples which Prusslan
young men have set before the world
The laws of nature cannot be violated
with impnnity, and life Of laziness il
a life of misery.