UNDERLYING PROBLEMS 27 



tion or object lessons, designed to reach every 

 farmer and his family, at or near their homes, 

 with knowledge and stimulus in every' depart- 

 ment of country life. 



Organization. There must be a vast enlarge- 

 ment of voluntary organized effort among farmers 

 themselves. It is indispensable that farmers shall 

 work together for their common interests and for 

 the national welfare. If they do not do this, no 

 governmental activity, no legislation, not even 

 better schools, will greatly avail. Much has been 

 done. There is a multitude of clubs, and associa- 

 tion for social, educational and business purposes; 

 and great national organizations are effective. 

 But the farmers are nevertheless relatively unor- 

 ganized. We have only begun to develop busi- 

 ness cooperation in America. Farmers do not 

 influence legislation as they should. They need 

 a more fully organized social and recreative life. 



Spiritual forces. The forces and institutions 

 that make for morality and spiritual ideals among 

 rural people must be energized. We miss the 

 heart of the problem if we neglect to foster per- 

 sonal character and neighborhood righteousness. 

 The best way to preserve ideals for private con- 

 duct and public life is to build up the institutions 

 of religion. The church has great power of lead- 

 ership. The whole people should understand that 



