110 AGRICULTURAL LABOR 



problem. "In general/' says Cance, "all foreign rural communi- 

 ties in the East, particularly Hebrew farm colonies, where not 

 very large nor closely segregated, manifest a lively desire to speak 

 and read English, to adopt American dress, customs and methods 

 of farm practice, and where encouraged, to seek naturalization 

 as quickly as possible. There is no question that Americanization 

 and assimilation take place more rapidly among the less segre- 

 gated rural immigrants than in congested industrial groups in 

 urban localities. Land ownership confers dignity, imposes financial 

 and social responsibility, stimulates activity in civic affairs, and 

 awakens community interest and personal pride. In short, so far 

 as the immigrant is concerned, rural life in most instances has had 

 a most salutary effect. It has frequently taken an ignorant, 

 abject, unskilled dependent foreign laborer and made of him a 

 shrewd, self-respecting, independent farmer and citizen. His 

 returns in material welfare are not great, but he lives happily, 

 comfortably and peaceably, and in time, accumulates a small 

 property. The second generation of these south European immi- 

 grants are frequently not less progressive than Americans." But, 

 says Cance, leadership and encouragement are needed, and some 

 opportunity for land ownership an opportunity, however, now 

 fast disappearing. "Between the Italian cotton tenants of the 

 Mississippi Delta region," concludes Cance, "among whom are 

 few citizens, numerous illiterates, few children in school, very 

 meager community institutions and no political interest and their 

 kinsmen in upland Arkansas, with a majority of naturalized citi- 

 zens, a most lively participation in public matters, exceptionally 

 fine educational and religious institutions, little illiteracy, and a 

 rapidly rising standard of comfort, the contrast is most striking. 

 The social superiority of the upland Arkansas colony is due largely 

 to efficient leadership and individual ownership of land. Other 

 instances might be cited to demonstrate the very significant truth 

 that progress is much more rapid and satisfactory where there is 

 some one to lend a friendly hand from the beginning." 7 



Life of Farm Laborer. "How are farm laborers cared for 

 generally? What privileges or helps do they get besides their 

 wages?" This question was put to Mr. Powers by the United 

 States Industrial Commission. "In our section," said Mr. Powers, 

 "the average farm hand lives with the family of the employer, in 

 the same house, boards at the same table, and is one of them." 



7 A. C. Cance, "Immigrant Rural Communities." Annals, March, 1912, 

 pp. 79, 80. 



