112 THE farmer's relationships. 



should appear that, while the income is not sufficient to pay 

 everythinoj, it can be made to produce a good part of the 

 indebtedness, some kind of compromise will l^e made which 

 will enable the farmer to go on. All that can be got out of a 

 place is what it will yield after supporting the family which 

 works it. As various considerations will impel the indebted 

 farmer to work cheaper than any one else, and with a better 

 understanding of the capabilities of the farm, there is nearly 

 always a ground for such a settlement and reduction of lia- 

 bilities as will, under the circumstances, be best for all. If 

 the settlement is complete, and the margin for living is not 

 cut too close, the advantage to all will be great. What kills 

 debtors is not hard work but worry. No man can endure 

 continuous attempts to achieve the impossible with a penalty 

 overhanging in case of failure. When the task is reduced to 

 what can be done, the hard work continues but not the worry. 

 Life takes on a different aspect. The arriving mail is no 

 longer looked to with dread nor the calling stranger feared 

 as one who may have papers to serve. Hope takes the place 

 of despair, and the old renew their youth. Misfortune has 

 befallen and has been bravely met. The best that could be 

 done has been done, and there are respect and esteem in 

 place of suspicion and doubt. 



The above is the course always taken by good business 

 men in financial difficulties. It should be imitated by farmers. 

 In attempting such settlement, legal advice should be secured. 

 In most country towns there is some elderly, sensible lawyer 

 whom everybody knows and respects, and who makes his 

 living by keeping people out of lawsuits. Go to him, and to 

 the principal creditor. Lay all the facts before them, and 

 trust your legal adviser and your principal creditor to reach 

 an agreement and bring in the rest. 



The relation of the embarrassed farmer to his creditors 

 must be one of perfect frankness and honesty. Many lose 

 their homes who need not do so. 



