PUBLIC interest is being centered on the "problem of the 

 stump." The land clearing convention held at Duluth 

 July 1 indicated the wide spread interest in the solving 

 of this great problem. Representative men from all of the 

 so-called "cut over" counties gathered for a day to discuss 

 ways and means of helping the settler to clear his land. 



The problem of the stump is an old cne. Every settler 

 who has gone into the northern counties knows what it is. 

 Many, becoming discouraged at the slow progress they have 

 made, have packed their goods and have gone to other states. 

 Those who have remained have had a hard long fight. 



Stump Has Retarded Development. 



While other sections of the state have been developed rap- 

 idly the difficulties in clearing the land of stumps has kept 

 northern Minnesota from being developed to the same degree. 



The realization of this fact, prompted the Northern Minne- 

 sota Development League to issue a "call" for the land clear- 

 ing convention. The results of that convention's work are 

 already evident. 



The convention went on record as favoring county organiza- 

 tion that will provide for their members cheaper dynamite, 

 co-operative stump pullers, and increased credit for those 

 who are anxious to clear their farms, and demonstrations 

 schools at which improved methods of land clearing will be 

 shown. 



Results Already Evident. 



The representatives of the various counties who were pres- 

 ent were urged to go back to their homes and start the 

 county organizations. Within two weeks the first of the 

 county associations was organized. Beltrami county led the 

 way. 



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