SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART VIII 483 



than Iowa acres. Minnesota had contributed 13,600 in 1905. In the 

 last ten years the number has been swelled to 19,255. Colorado is doing 

 a share. Against 1,701 from the Centennial State in 1905 we now claim 

 3,342. Texas, evidently appreciating the money contributed to the weed- 

 ing of her onion fields, has doubled her quota, with 1,839 at present 

 against 917 in 1905. 



Iowa made numerous entries in the famous "Cherokee Race" a few 

 years ago, and in return Oklahoma is doing the handsome thing in the 

 way of contributing citizens. In 1905 it required close scrutiny to locate 

 a native Oklahoman, for there were only 706 of them in the state, 

 today we have 3,023. Kansas, likewise, is coming our way, literally, 

 at the rate of half a thousand a year as evidence by 17,143 today against 

 against 12,575 in 1905. South Dakota is contributing materially, 

 7,863 in 1905 and 12,428 in 1915. Returns from other states, even 

 to the coast, tell a similar story. 



These figures are not presented in a spirit of boasting, nor with a 

 desire to "crow over" our neighbors. For boundary lines, after all, 

 exist only in the imagination and really have no geographical tangi- 

 bility. Iowa is not fretting out the night hours over the possibility 

 of the state becoming depopulated. She is getting her full allotment 

 of beauty sleep. But, since certain erroneous impressions have gained 

 more or less credence, a plain statement of facts seems not inap- 

 propriate. 



The Book contains this definite promise: "Cast thy bread upon 

 the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days." Which is simply 

 another way of saying that whatever is invested will bring returns. 

 It matters not whether it be money, labor, good deeds or evil influ- 

 ences, it is going to accumulate interest in consonance with the in- 

 vestment. 



Iowa has no prodigal sons. To begin with she doesn't believe in 

 keeping her sons and daughters tethered to her apron strings. She 

 prefers them — and prepares them — to be free and footloose to make 

 dates with Opportunity whenever that enterprising dame rattles the 

 front gate. She has contributed heavily and ungrudgingly of man- 

 hood and for the upbuilding of the social and educational structures 

 of the Great New West. She will continue to give as freely and willingly 

 as the years roll on. Thousands of eager young men and women are 

 fitting themselves to spread the gospel of agriculture in places where the 

 need seems most pressing. There is something about Iowa soil, Iowa 

 atmosphere, Iowa lite and Ioali traditions that instills the spirit of con- 

 quest, and tlie youngsters nianli lorl'.i at tlu' apjjointed time brimming 

 with courage to help win the battles of the world. No state has ever had 

 cause to regret the coming of Iowa people, and there is no state that has 

 not been materially advanced and strengthened mentally, morally and 

 financially by these infusions of Iowa blood and bone and brawn. That 

 'lowans invariably acquit themselves with honor is, to those who remain, 

 ample interest and value received for bread cast upon the waters flowing 

 in the irresistible currents of migration. 



