IMPORTANCE OF RURAL INTERESTS 



A vigorous country population is neces- 

 sary in order to assure the highest physical 

 health throughout the total body of citizens. 

 It is equally necessary to the finest average 

 character and integrity of the whole peo- 

 ple, and also for the richest development 

 of common sense, sincerity, large views, and 

 patriotism. These qualities spring from 

 Mother Earth. They are found in cities, 

 of course, but usually because they are 

 brought there. The strongest instances of 

 them are not indigenous in towns. It is gen- 

 erally recognized that town life would soon 

 grow pale and sickly, as well in moral as 

 in physical regards, but for incessant impor- 

 tation of blood and character from the 

 country. It is a matter of common knowl- 

 edge that nearly all the men and women in 

 the most commanding positions in society, 

 business, literature, and life were born and 

 reared in the country. 



Over and above the preceding considera- 

 tions, some of which apply to other coun- 

 tries as well as our own, there is a special 

 reason for conserving and strengthening 



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