OCR Text |
Show DESERTING THE FARMS. Nearly every American city of any consequence factors in the strength, influence and commercial power of the nation has had a bewildering growth during the past ten years. Census returns from the national capitol show that the increase in urban population has not only been substantial, but abnormal. While New York is vying with London and Chicago, with the Hudson hamlet, for favor in the eyes of the metropolis-loving public, and loud acclaim has been forthcoming forth-coming for the city that has shown the greatest gain, the paramount fact that America owes its majestical position to its wonderful agricultural agri-cultural and horticultural resources is being passed by without the slightest recognition. There is no gainsaying that one loves to see his native city grow, see his country's first city take rank above those of the world. But in adding to the urban population at such a terrific rate, the cities have to draw from the country. They are taking away that class of people who have been developing the country's resources, and in subtracting sub-tracting from this class the nation's chief asset is suffering. It is these developers who have made America what it is today, and to sacrifice this to the gain of the cities is foolhardy. Of course, immigration from other nations has been a mammoth factor in the growth of the country at large, but the census returns have shown one lamentable fact the drain on the farming population. |