260 THE FARMER AND THE NEW DAY 



we have a good policy? The only effective way is by 

 the organization, under the federal principle, of perma- 

 nent groups authoritatively representing the different 

 aspects of the farm problem, and the different public 

 and voluntary agencies which are at work or that may 

 come into being. National and state councils are im- 

 perative; county and community councils are almost 

 equally important. An international council of agri- 

 culture and country life is not beyond the range of 

 possibilities. There is no other method by which 

 American agriculture can be assured its full measure of 

 intelligent improvement and its adjustment to a de- 

 veloping civilization. 



A RURAL DEMOCRACY 



In the social reorganization of the world the farmer 

 must have his part. He must not be an underling. In 

 intelligence, freedom, initiative, he must stand as the 

 good citizen. He must participate in political, indus- 

 trial and social arrangements for the common good of 

 mankind. We do not want and we will not tolerate 

 an agricultural caste out of which it is difficult to rise. 

 The farmer must be truly free and fully respected. 

 An American program of rural reconstruction finds its 

 need then in a wise, united planning for a true democ- 

 racy in which the farmer himself will find his place in 

 full freedom and in splendid efficiency. 



