INTRODUCTORY. 5 



But on extending the scope of our inquiries, we find 

 this is a matter for serious consideration ; not only for 

 this district, but for others, and for other parts of 

 America. We want to know if it is world-wide in its 

 character ; if it is an old problem, with a new face ; if 

 it is a normal condition ; if agriculture is not first in 

 importance to national welfare ; if it should not in this 

 era of extended division of labor give to its votaries the 

 maximum of wealth and comforts in return for faithful 

 toil : for when was there a period in which the produc- 

 tive forces were doing more toward increasing national 

 wealth ? When was there a time of greater boasting of 

 material progress, and its attendant results in the grand- 

 eur of civilization ? 



If the condition is abnormal, where is the remedy ? 

 If there is no remedy, what of the future ? 



To this end I humbly contribute the result of energies 

 of pen and brain, of head and heart, discarding all party 

 feeling, selfish prejudice, or unworthy motives. 



One of America's gifted sons asks : 



" For what avail the plough or sail, 

 Or land or life, if freedom fail ? " 



We ask : What avail to bridge our oceans with float- 

 ing palaces, to span our continents with the most 

 magnificent rail trains, to stud our land with smoking 

 chimneys — the product of the industries they represent 

 reaching the grandest proportions, — to pile up national 

 wealth away beyond all precedent, if for all this, or with 

 all this, the sons of the pioneers who hewed down the 

 primeval forests, and brought the lands under subjection 

 to the influence and service of civilization, are to be- 



