Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 May 1917 — Page 3

Importance of Bird Preservation

A legend of a New England village relates how the farmers, exasperated over the toll taken from fruit and grain, banded together loathe extermination of all birds. They shot, trapped and poisoned until every native bird was extinct. That season the grain crops were destroyed, I the fruit did nob mature and the trees stood brown and shriveled from the 1 destruction wrought by insects. But more appalling than all was the mute reproach-of the voiceless forest and the absence of the twinkling wings of these “children of the air.” The legend narrates how the birds were again trapped in adjacent localities, and, with great care and ceremony, brought to the desolated spot and released. « Such wholesale slaughter could not easily be carried on at this present day, but the extermination of many birds through indifference is threatened. One of the generally known results of unconcern is the fate of the passenger pigeon. As late as 1880 flocks of these birds contained millions, and not a single pigeon is in existence today. The stately snowy white egrets of Oregon and Florida were about to suffer the same doom when protective measures were organized. The decreased number of many other birds is troubling the bird lover, and should trouble every agriculturist. * . , Few people realize the enormous amount of insect and weed-seed food devoured by the birds. The scientist, examining the stomachs of different species at different seasons, reveals facts that are almost incredible. An estimate based on these examinations made in two localities in the West where meadow larks are numerous, places the amount of insect food consumed by the nestlings about three hundred tons daily. In one state, where the tree sparrows winter, eight hundred tons of weed seeds were thought to be their season s portion. These two examples can be multiplied many times, the tiniest hummingbird doing its §hare in the economic order of nature.

Real Training for Rural Teachers

Specialist in Rural School Practice, U. S. Bureau of Education

—■ A specialized preparation is necessary to give rural communities the right kind, of teachers, and these should, preferably, come from the state normal schools rather than from training classes in secondary schools and similar institutions. The American normal school is beginning to adjust its work to answer these new needs. One thing is evident this specialized preparation cannot be acquired in so-called general courses for rural teachers but must come through the new specialized rural-school departments already organized in at least fifty leading state normal schools. The classwork of the general rural-school course is often in charge of the regular instructors of the professional department in the institution who have had little particular preparation for rural-life phases Of educational work, consequently these courses are seldom satisfactory in results and not much sought after by the students of the school. Quite different results are apparent where the normal schools have organized district departments in rural education. ■--* The plan usually followed is to place a carefully prepared rural-school expert at the head of the department; other assistants are added from time to time as the development of the department may require? The plan of organization is to group the school subjects around a study of the problems of rural life, including rural sociology and rural economics. Much emphasis is placed on rural-school methods of teaching and rural-school management; preferably, also, there is a model rural school connected with the department and under its direction, either on the normal-school campus or in the nearby rural schools. The plan is, further, for the department to extend its services to the country communities which receive the teacher product of the school. % In departments of this kind it is possible to prepare broad-minded, far-visioned men and women to do the work of agricultural reorganization in America. ,

Will Russian Liberals Hold Grip?

The revolution in Russia will obviously have a vital bearing upon the course and outcome of the European war. Thus far the Russian giant has fought with one hand tied behind his back, owing both to government incompetence and to imperfect utilization of latent resources. If Russia now develops its vast potential strength and throws into the war its full moral energy, the result may well lie decisive. As things now stand, it looks as though that is what may hAppeni The presence of such men as Paul Miliukoff among the revolutionary leaders is proof positive that the uprising was in no sense the result of , German machinations, but that it was a spontaneous movement of Russian patriots to oust a reactionary bureaucracy, incompetent, graft-ridden and tainted with pro-Germanism. Russia’s liberal elements, known as the “intelligentzia,” evidently took advantage of the popular desperation to transform what was at first a mere blind proletarian outburst against famine conditions into a political revolution against the old regime. The members of the intelligentzia, lire convincedU)elieversdn western-ideas and-institu-tions, warm friends of the western liberal powers, France and England, and bitter opponents of Prussian militarism. If, therefore, the presentliberal junta keeps its grip on the governmental machine and swings the country, Russia will conduct the war against Germany with a vigor and enthusiasm unknown before. The crucial question is, Will the liberals keep their grip? The precedent of 1905 is not very encpuraging. The revolution of 1905 was engi* peered by these same liberal elements, but at that time they proved unabla to rule, and were soon displaced by a conservative reaction. The intelligentzia though excellent as a party of opposition and revolt, showed itself hopelessly negative and doctrinaire in the hour of victory. With no positive political philosophy, the intelligentzia fell apart like a rope of sand as soon as it tried to formulate a program of governance and constructive •reform. Whether the intelligentzia has since learned practical wisdom remains to be seen. Very likely it has, for adversity and sad expafience pre excellent teachers.

By MRS. ROBERT T. SCOTT

By HAROLD W. FOGHT

By T. LOTHROP STODDARD, Ph. D.

Writer and Student of European Politic*

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

HEAVY INCREASE IN FOODSTUFFS IS THE AIM OF OFFICIAL BOARDS

Secretary of Agriculture Houston Gives the Result of Conference With Sixty-Two Representatives of Thirty-Two States —Farm Labor Problem Is to Be Solved by Putting 2,000,000 , < Boys to Work

Washington, D. C,- —A comprehensive program for increased production and conservation of foodstuffs as an essential part of the scheme for the general mobilization of industry in the United States as a result of the world war is outlined in a report just issued by David F» Houston, secretary of agriculture, of the conference of 62 officials representing 32 states, which has just closed In Washington. The report Indicates that the various commissioners of agriculture and representatives of agricultural schools and colleges who took part in the conference are fully alive to the necessity for agricultural preparedness If the United States and her allies are to emerge triumphant from the great war. Steps already taken by these various officials indicate that no stone will be left unturned in the effort to mobilize the farmers of America to the highest degree of agricultural efficiency. The conference decided to deal with the whole subject under the following four heads: (1) Production and labor, (2) .distribution and prices, (3) economy and utilization and (4) effective organization.

To Ask for $25,000,000.

In order that the secretary of agriculture may take immediate steps to meet the extraordinary needs of the nation it is recommended that congress- forthwith pass a law placing $25,000,000 at the disposal of that official. The report says in part: “Upon the fanner rests in large measure the final responsibility of winning the war in which we are now involved. The importance to the nation of an adequate food supply, especially for the present year, cannot be overemphasized. The world’s food reserve is very low. „ Therefore, the man who tills the soil and supports the sower in the field and the family at home is rendering as noble and patriotic a service as is the man who bears the brunt of battle. “Within the next 60 days the final measure of crop acreage and food production for this year will have been established. We urge the importance of the Immediate mobilization of all available service in performing the patriotic duty of providing and conserving food. “Because of the world shortage of food it Is scarcely possible that the production of staple crops By the farmers .of ,the United States can be too great this year. There is every reason to believe that a generous price will be paid for the harvest of their fields. -

National and State Organizations. “To meet the extraordinary needs of agriculture in this emergency we recommend that an appropriation of $25,000,000, or so much thereof as may be needed, to be available immediately for the use of the secretary of agriculture in such manner as he may deem best. “The situation which now confronts our country is a great emergency—the greatest perhaps in its history. It is strongly urged that congress and state legislatures, In passing laws or in making appropriations intended to carry out these or other plans for assuring an adequate food and clothing supply, should, so far as possible, be governed by the principle that when the emergency ceases much permanent reconstruction in agricultural policies and plans may be necessary. “The recommendations in the main call for federal action, but state governments can and should co-operate to the fullest degree in considering and executing plans of co-operation and of supplemental legislation and appropriation for the great common pur-’ pose herein enunciated. New Organization Suggested.

“The Council of National Defense Is changed with the duty of mobilizing the resources of the nation, having as one of its (members the secretary of agriculture. We recommend additional machinery as follows: ' *’ “A relatively small central agricultural body, whose services and presence might be required in Washington constantly, to be composed of men who have wide knowledge of agricultural matters and executive experience. In selecting these men attention should be paid to geographical distribution. “A large national advisory body composed of representatives of the leading agricultural agehefes and associations concerned hot only in production but in distributing and handling commodities. “A small central agricultural body tn each state, representing various agricultural interests, inducting agricultural officials, representatives of agricultural colleges, bankers’, business farmers’ and women’s organizations, etc., concerned in the production, distribution and utilization of food supplies and agricultural raw materials. This body should be designated by the governor, and, if the state has a central council of safety or defense, should be co-ordinated with it. “Such county, urban and other local bodies as the state authorities’ indudlug this state central agency, may see fit to suggest. “The national Central body and the state central bodies will be expected

to keep in intimate contact and to work in close co-operation. —-—: Increasing the Food Supply. “Increase - the acreage in spring wheat In the northern states. “Increase the corn area of the 100th meridian. “In districts where wheat has been winterkilled replant with oats, corn or sorghum as climatic conditions may determine. “Plant barley and oats, wherever they are proved and reliable crops, to the maximum that can be handled. “Buckwheat acreage in the Northern and Eastern states, where the season Is too short for the great staple crops, may well be increased. “The area planted to navy beans In the North and West and to Mexican and Tepary beans in the Southwest should be enlarged. “The planting of potatoes, especially for local use, should be stimulated in every reasonable way. “Sweet potatoes in the South should be produced in larger quantity than usual for use in their fresh state and for storing, canning or desiccating for winter use. “Production of peanuts should be enlarged. “Care should be taken to avoid undue encroachment on areas used for pasturage and hay required for live stock production. “Authority should be granted to the secretary of agriculture to advance to farmers under proper safeguards seed required to insure the production of crops necessary for the welfare of the nation.

“An early increase in the animal products of the country should be made, as live stock holdings already are too low and should not be diminished further. Increase must come through enlarging the supply of feed, by more efficient methods of feeding and through more complete control of contagious diseases. These diseases take a toll of more than one-quarter billion dollars annually, more than half of which is due to controllable diseases, such as cow cholera, black leg and tick fever. The federal government, co-operating with the states, could profitably expand its intensive regulatory services so as to embrace every Important live stock district. “Pork production could be increased substantially enough the more extensive use of fall litters, better care and feeding. “Milk production could be Increased fully one-fourth by more liberal and intelligent feeding. “The poultry products of the United -States can and should be doubled within a year.’’ The Labor Problem. In reference to the labor problem the report recommends efficient co-opera-tion between the state and federal governments. It says: “One of the principal limiting elements of food production is the labor supply on the farm. Indiscriminate enlistment from the farms with no plan for labor replacement will reduce food production below its preStent low level. “The plan for public defense should Include as definite a provision for enlistment for food supply as for service at the front.

USE WOMEN IN MEN’S JOBS

Miss <Kathryn Heatherton, who has been placed in charge of the “war substitution department” by the National Surety company, which is preparing to substitute women for hundreds of its men releasing Jhe men for war duty) It is estimated that 100,000 office men can thus be replaced in New York city alone. 7'

“More than two million boys between the ages of fifteen and nineteen years in the cities and towns not now engaged in productive work*vital to the nation’"constitute the most important labor resource; hitherto unorganized and unutilized, but available for this emergency. ' ' “The plan JOT military enlistment should be broadened to include in the national service those who, by reason of their age or physical condition, are permanently or temporarily Incapacitated for active military duty but who are able to render the government Indispensable service in the production of food, supplies and munitions. —• “This enlistment should include three classes of men—men beyond military age, men of military age but not accepted for active military duty and boys under age for enlistment. "The government should make plans at once for the mobilization of this important resource for the production of food and other necessities. This proposed enlistment in the national service should be regarded as part of the public patriotic service In the present war and be given proper official recognition.” In order to prevent price manipulation the report says:'

“The secretary of agriculture should be authorized by law to license warehouses, packing plants,, mills, cold storage, produce exchanges, co-operative and other shipping associations, commission merchants, auctioneers, brokers, jobbers, wholesale distributors and other individuals, partnerships, associations and corporations engaged in the business of marketing and distributing farm and food products. When directed by the president the secretary should have power, after advising with the Council of National Defense as to the necessity of such a step, to take over and operate such of these businesses as may be warranted in a man-ner-Similar to receivership.” The report also makes important recommendations concerning household economy and the milling of grain.

TOWN TO UTILIZE ALL SOIL

Massachusetts Community Expects to Increase Production From 50 to 100 Per Cent Amherst, Mass. Made-ln-Amerlca efficiency on the part of the little New England community of Williamstown, Mass., will Increase the town’s food production from 50 to 100 per cent this year. Under the committee of public safety, air available land has been catalogued and classified by location, a systematized distribution of supplies and labor; a census of all intending gardeners has been made J applications for use of land and for seed, fertilizers, supplies, and canning materials have been taken; and a carload each of seed potatoes and fertilizer, with other supplies, has been ordered. , ...... The committee has arranged for plowmen to break the soil. A garden adviser is to be employed at once; later a spraying expert will be procured. Conservation of surplus products by. canning or curing is planned for, and the establishment of a central canning plant is considered. Supplies and labor will be charged for at net cost, credit given when advisable.

LILIES’ SCENT 8,000 FEET UP

British Aviator Tells o 0 Immense Valley Filled With Flowers In East Africa. London.—-A British officer on duty with the air service in East Africa includes In one of his reports a graphic description of an Immense valley filled with the huge “Arum lilies,” over which he fled somewhere in the region of Zanzibar. As he passed over the valley he was 8,000 feet high, but the perfume of the lilies reached his nostrils for a long distance. By means of his glasses he observed that the lily flowers were “as large as elephant ears,” and that the- whole of the valley had been monopolized by the beautiful flowers. The luxuriance of the vegetation Was particularly remarkable. He learned later that the seent of the flowers was so overpowererlng in the valley that no native had ever dared to penetrate within its borders.

SEEKS DIVORCE SO HE CAN ENLIST

Chicago.—ln direct ’ contrasty, to those who are alleged to have ; been seeking to-' evade army . service through marriage is ' Clement Klotleba of 4418 Grace . street, a machinist employed by ; the Chicago & Northwestern . railroad. Although a natural* ; ized citizen, he desires to fight ■ for this country so much that ! he wants a divorce, so he can j enlist. His attorney asserts , that Mrs. Klotleba is so eager ; to have him go that she ap- < proves his plan. ' ■

Suez Mother-In-Law for Board Bill.

Philadelphia.—For board during a period of 13% years at the rate of $7.50 a week, Wilbur F. Mlles has sued his mother-in-law, Mrs. Sarah A. George, a widow, eighty-six years old. He asks for $5,242. which includes interestjiuring that time. The mother-in-law .says she never agreed to pay board and that Miles Ipduced her to come and Ave with him so that ha could borrow S4OO from her.

NEARLY A MILLION

New Church Members During 1916 Shown by L — l Statistics. The statistical survey of religion* organizations in the United States that Is annually made by Dr. H. K. Carroll,, and in recent years has been published! In the Year Book of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in Amer- 1 lea, has now been made for the year that is just past. According to Doctor Carroll the communicant roti or membership list of all American religion. l *! bodies now exceeds 40,000,000, which! does not include children or others who> are affiliated with any body but are not recognized as communicants or, in the fullest sense, members. Net Increase for Year. The net increase of the year was. 747,000, or 204,000 more than the increase for 1915. In 1890 the total religious strength was 20,618,000, so that In 26 years following, the net Increase has been 19,399,000 or 94 per cent, while the gain in the population of the. country for the same period has been about 39,000,000 or 61 per cent. The churches therefore gained faster than, the population. Of the gains in 1916, about 216,000 were of the Roman Catholic and some 500,000 of bodies recorded as Protestants. Among the latter, 136,000 are credited to the Methodist. 132.000 to the Baptist, and upward of 79,000 to. the Presbyterian and Reformed group. The Episcopal church had a gain oft 27,000 and the Lutheran bodies of 20,000. The gain In ministers is 2,643, which, is nearly double that of 1915. The largest gain, 478, is reported by the Roman Catholic chruch; tfie Baptists, added 365, the Lutherans 159 and other.

bodies smaller numbers. Estimate* Too Low. Doctor Carroll presents a new chapter, indicating the distribution of communicants and population of the chief world communions of Protestants. The Anglican communion has an estimatedpopulation of 26,758,000 in the world, the Baptist of 21,000,000, the Congregational Ist of 4,355,000, the Lutheran of 70,500,000, the Methodist of 32,418,000, and the Presbyterian and Reformed of 30,800,000. It is shown that the prevailing estimates of the strength of Protestantism are far too low, and that nearly, if not quite 200,000,000 are Protestant members and adherents — which Include statistics of Anglicans. Returns for Sunday schools in the United States for 1916 show a much larger aggregate of Sunday school scholars than any previous report has given, and that the net increase in the last ten years is more than 6,300,000, with a gain of between 15,000 and 16,000 schools. «

SHADOW BEFORE SUNSHINE

Life of Joseph Is an Earnest as to What Christian Should Be Willing to Look Forward. "Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a fountain; his branches run over the wall.” These words are a part of Jacob’s prophecy regarding his son Joseph; they picture the sunshine period in the life of a man who was not unacquainted with the shadow. Like many another, Joseph began hie life in the favored light of pampered home surroundifags. Then came his captivity, and with his slavery new lessons and opportunities to be of help to others. He uses his poetic gift to interpret the dreams of his fellow prisoners, and this leads him to the court of Pharaoh, and on to the office of premier of the king of Egypt. From his hour in the dungeon he begins to tread a new road, the road of help to others. His early selfishness slowly drops from him, and when his brethren come seeking help from famine, Joseph is ready with forgiveness and the greatness of soul that marks the capacity of the man. With many a man or woman, it is the captivity that precedes the true freedom. Out of the cloud the sun breaks forth, and as we look back upon the dark places of our life journey, we thank God for the shadow; that introduced us to the sunshine, because it turned our selfishness into service, ‘ converted our pride into prayer, made our sorrow the key to* sympathy, helped ns to save our lives* by teaching us to give them to others* in their need. The trouble with the* boy Joseph was that everything seemed easy for him, there was no shut door, no obstacles to overcome and no sense of need in his heart. His star was always in the ascendant, his sheaf always outgrew the sheaves of his brethren. He was lost in his sunshine, he could be saved only by the shadow. . Is my life filled with burdens? Do I know the sting of poverty? Has the promise of my morning been broken by the failure of ideals, by the mist and the rain? God is leading through shadow to sunshine. Let me remember Joseph.

A Long Road.

Making ourselves over is not a rapid process. Sometimes when a girl resolves to do right, she ha? the mia* taken idea that she will never again lose her temper, or provoke someone else to anger by a disagreeable speech. Right-doing. is not as easy as all this. The development of patience and sweetness and charity and kindness takes time. From the resolution to. serve Christ and the realization of Christlikenees in ourselves is a lone roS ■