THE NEW EARTH 



and nearly two hundred and fifty thousand 

 people are acting as special correspondents 

 throughout the world without compensation, — 

 a loyal army of assistants, which attests the 

 interest taken in the work. 



Among all the great industries of America, 

 its colossal manufacturing activities, its vast 

 commercial interests, domestic and foreign, all 

 the intricate network of professional, business, 

 and labor interests, — among all classes of 

 Americans, where else shall we look for such 

 aid as this which the national government is 

 bestowing free of all cost, upon the followers 

 of but one occupation among the many? It 

 is indeed a significant commentary on the im- 

 portance of agriculture in America. It is a 

 suggestion of the universal application of 

 Liebig's principle, "Agriculture is the founda- 

 tion of the riches of states." It is a command- 

 ing recognition of the dependence of the nation 

 upon those who till the soil. And it is an 

 equally commanding message to all who till 

 the soil that theirs is an occupation set apart, 

 bearing the august stamp of the nation itself. 



364 



