Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 February 1919 — A BETTER JASPER COUNTY [ARTICLE]

A BETTER JASPER COUNTY

MEETING FOR COUNTY-WIDE ASSOCIAI TION WAS HELD IN THIS CITY TUESDAY EVENING. z I I E • ! • Entire County Is Represented ABLE ADDRESSES WERE MADE BY PROFESSORS HENRY AND ROSENCRANS OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY.

A meeting which marks the initiation of one of the most progressive movements in the history of Jasper county was held at the court house !in this city Tuesday evening. This I meeting was in response to invitations sent out by a group of repre- . sentative citizens, who have had a 1 peal vision, and whose ideal, if put ( into effect, will be far reaching and of vital importance to the future advancement of Jasper county. Some sixty citizens of the different parts of the county were” pre sent. Those outside of Rensselaer were Harvey Williams, A. L. Parks,. Charles Wood, Frank Welsh, Andrew Grube, W. C. Dewey, Ara Bullis, —Warren —Poole, George Parker, Charles Welch, George Putt, StepSien Kohley, . John Rusk, Charles Weiss, E. L. Fidler, George Parkison, Kenton Parkison, John Parkison, Ed Ranton, Ludd Clark, Amos McDaniels and M* J. Hofner. The meeting was called to order by Moses 1 Leopold and on motion he was elected temporary chairman and P. H. Hauter temporary secretary.

Two representatives from Purdue university were present and made splendid addresses. ' Prof. Charles Henry, Assistant County Agricultural Agent of Indiana, was first called upon. He travels over the state and is ThTToucii "wiffi progress being made in different localities. He paid a high compliment to Jasper county by placing us in the first rank in progress made in the last two years in the matter of live stock and improved farming. He spoke of the present conditions which have been brought about by thp war. Abnormal wages, abnormal prices- and the movement back to normal or as conditions were in 191.4. The problem of labor is a serious one; the demand that wages remain the same as during the war and that commodities be reduced to lower prices; this, Mr. Henry said, would result in placing this country at a very great' - disadvantage, as we would be unable with excessive high wages to continue to be an important factor .in the markets of the world.The high prices the farmer has re-' ceived for his stock and grain must be adjusted as well as the articles which he buys must be bought at a lower price. relation in the interests of all and this period of reconstruction, or be preferred to call it re-adjustment, must be accomplished with wisdom and fairness. This country must not be turned over to the Bolsheviki and the conditions now prevailing In Russia must not be allowed to obtain here. The returning soldier, the great body of stalwart farmers, afld the virile business man together with the patriotic laborer will shoulder a gun to fight an enemy of humanity here with the same determination as he did the Hun over there. ' . These and other great problems must be met fairly and squarely and justice must be given to all. Wise

counsel must prevail. Of the one hundred and ten million people in this country, but a third are farmers, and two-thirds are engaged in other pursuits. He spoke of the difference between conditions in tfii? matter now and in 1812. In f»l2. ninety-seven per cent of the people in this country were farmers. Then the father made the shoes for the family, l the mother made the cloth and also the garments. Farm implements were home-made. Then the farmer was really independent. Now 1 codnitions are different and the farmer has become a specialist arid intrusts much to specialists for needs which he once supplied with his own hands. . _ Vast wealth has been invested in farms. The problem is to get a reasonable income from that investment. His view of the situation «was thatthere is a vital relation between the to'wn and the country, between the farmer and the business man and the laborer, and that problems can best be solved when these interests cooperate and when each works for the good of the other.

Prof. G. W. Rosencraps, of Purdue, also an assistant Indiana County Agricultural Agent, was enthusiastic in his endorsement of the suggestions made by Prof. Henry. He was delighted With the enthusiasm and spirit of the meeting and expressed the opinion that Jasper county could and would start an organization which will be the very best in the State of Indiana. Addresses were made by County Commissioner Charles A. Welch, B. F. Fendig, P. H. Hauter, Fred Al Phillips, Charles W. Postill and Frank Welsh. All favored the perfecting of an organization which should" have for its purpose a BETTER JASPER COUNTY. A committe was appointed to prepare a constitution, which was adopted, and an organization was perfected. The following officers were elected: President, Moses Leopold, of Rensselaer. Vice President, Harvey Williams, of Carpenter township. Secretary, P. H. Hauter, of Marion township. Treasurer, Judson J. Hunt, of Rensselaer. Before the meeting adjourned forty-two rffen had paid the membership fee and a committee was- appointed, .to draft the neeesssary articles of incorporation. The organization will be known as “The Better Jasper County Association,” and every person in the county should get back o fthis movement, Which is the most promising ever undertaken in the county. Its purpose is the beterment of every interest in the county, and it is to be non-sectarian, non-political and non-sectional. Another article giving more in detail of the plans and purposes of the organization will be given. In the meantime, boost, become a member. Take the matter up with the officers of the association' and be free to make suggestions. EVERYBODY BOOST FOR A “BETTER JASPER COUNTY.”