220 THE FARMER AND THE NEW DAY 



different, that we see only parts of the whole. The 

 cooperative work of farmers is done quietly as a rule. 

 It does not easily gain publicity, especially in cities. 

 The most serious phase of the situation is that there is 

 nowhere a big, comprehensive policy with respect to 

 cooperation. We need to know more fully where col- 

 lective action is desirable or necessary. We need some 

 general overhead plan for the steady, sane, effective de- 

 velopment of cooperation in all fields of rural improve- 

 ment. It is here that the need is greatest and so here 

 the most thought and study should come ; here, too, the 

 first steps should be taken. The extent of the farmer's 

 contribution to democracy depends in large measure 

 upon his success in establishing a wise policy of collec- 

 tive action. 



Can the city help the country? And will the farmer 

 cooperate with city people and agencies? The city can 

 help the country materially, but only as it attempts to 

 do so in the full spirit of genuine cooperation. Farm- 

 ers resent " slumming " and " uplift." If it were 

 otherwise we would know that the old-time American 

 farmer had passed away. But even well-meant effort 

 by an urban group often fails because of inadequate 

 knowledge of conditions. It is easy to assume that 

 what has " worked " in the city will work in the coun- 

 try; that the organizing and executive genius that has 

 built huge industries, if applied to the solution of the 

 troubles of farmers, will master the situation; that lead- 

 ership in agricultural matters, especially in their busi- 

 ness aspect, must come from the city; that farmers are 

 in the last throes of despair and need above all else the 

 saving services of organized philanthropy. The farm- 

 ers in turn find it difficult not to resent any approach 

 from urban interests, even those most sincere and sym- 



