THE LEVER ACT 



of Agriculture and the agricultural colleges in the country, many of 

 which were established and are in part maintained by aid from the 

 Federal Government." 



Likewise Congressman Young, of North Dakota, gave 

 accurate definition in these tliree sentences : 



"This is an epoch-making measure. It provides for teaching 

 agriculture on the farms of the nation. It enlarges the work of the 

 colleges ; in fact, it makes every farm a classroom." 



During the period of 1912-13 and 14, when this bill was 

 up for discussion in Congress, and before the country, the 

 Demonstration Work for women and girls was being rapidly 

 developed. As already stated, the Girls' Clubs began in 1910 

 and the women began their special home demonstrations in 

 1913. Those who had been associated with Dr. Knapp knew 

 what he thought as to the ultimate aims and objects of the 

 whole plan. They knew that he wanted every member of the 

 farm family to be engaged in this new educational enterprise. 

 It is very significant, however, that congressmen, at that early 

 date, expressly stated that the benefits of this act should be 

 received by the farm women. The author of the bill, himself, 

 had a vision of the farm home and its improvement. He 

 realized that the highest order of instruction and encourage- 

 ment should be given to women and girls on the farm. His 

 bill marked a new era of developments along this line. It 

 caused a re-arrangement and redirection of work in the 

 United States Department of Agriculture and in all the co- 

 operating colleges. It had an indirect and reflex influence on 

 the public school systems and other educational institutions 

 throughout this country. 



Mr. Lever in reporting his bill from the Committee on 

 Agriculture, to the House of Representatives, used the follow- 

 ing language : 



"Your conmiittee commends to the special attention of this 



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