Mai 



THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND 



THE STATE. 



Now that we are consciously entering on a new era in the 

 development of our country life, it is well that we take stock of 

 the forces that are at work, and endeavor to see where they 

 lead when put in active operation. I will first review very 

 briefly the kinds of agencies that are now in existence, and then 

 speak more fully of one of them. In doing this, I attempt to 

 speak as a citizen of New York and as one interested in public 

 questions, rather than merely as director of the College of 

 Agriculture ; for we should relate all single agencies to the good 

 of the whole. 



A CAMPAIGN FOR RURAL PROGRESS. 



There is widespread interest in the welfare of the farmer and 

 in the general condition of country life. There seems to be a 

 general feeling that the farmer has only an unequal chance, and 

 that his interests should be safeguarded. The handicaps that 

 are not a necessary part of his business must be removed by 

 government, for he does not have the power, even with the 

 best personal farming, to take full advantage of his natural 

 opportunities. More than this, there is demand that recon- 

 structive movements and policies be found and set in motion 

 that will work together to build a rural civilization worthy of 

 the best American ideals. It is very evident that we shall soon 

 see the inauguration of a national campaign for rural progress. 



There cannot be a successful national campaign for rural 

 progress without clear-cut state campaigns. I am not without 



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