DRY-FARMING CONGRESS, WICHITA, 1914 



191 



years. We are doing all we can now by way of our experiment stations to 

 educate these farmers to modern scientific methods, but anything new they 

 look upon with doubt. But when the new generation comes up, we will be 

 able to implant in them these new methods, and I think we will be able to 

 introduce these methods and get as much out of them as you do now. 



Greece made a great mistake several years ago in destroying her olive 

 trees. Ten or fifteen years ago the French vineyards were destroyed, and 

 there was an enormous demand for grape wine, and the farmers made the 

 great mistake of destroying the olive trees and put in vines, so when the 

 disease which destroyed the vines was wiped out, the farmers had too much 

 on hand. There was a company formed that would buy all the products of 

 the farmer, and he could make on it the fixed price, and what was left on 

 his hands was either kept for the year or made into alcohol. The best 

 alcohol is made out of the currants. 



We have avoided the financial ruin of our farmers in this way. What 

 I want to impress on you right now, being before such a crowd of repre- 

 sentative Americans, is the fact that Greece today is in a very civilized 

 condition. Being here with Americans for about ten years, many have 

 asked me if Greece is semi-civilized. You will be surprised at the enormous 

 progress we have made in the last 25 years. 



Another question that is asked is whether the Grecian language is the 

 same as formerly — whether the language of Homer is the language used 

 today. The language of Homer is the very same language as the civilized 

 Greeks talk today; but language always changes with civilization. I have 

 a<so been asked if the Greeks of today are the same race as of old. They 

 are of the same race, but are not as good looking as formerly. But then I 

 ask, are the Americans the same as formerly. I answer, no. Because the 

 artists picked up the best! I find that intelligent people bring up such 

 questions to me, and expect every Greek to be an Apollo. 



About their education: We have the elementary education, or what 

 you call the grammar school, and the Greeks are compelled to take their 

 children and educate them. We also have colleges, universities as you have 

 here. Another question that is often asked, is, "What is the condition of 

 woman in Greece?" "Has she the same liberties as here?" I answer, 

 "No." We had Greek women studying medicine before any women in 

 America, also women lawyers. The women of the cities are today just as 

 well educated and are considered on an equal with men. In fact, I think 

 we have too much of it lately. If it was not for the respect of the com- 

 munity and the natural illfeeling that people have towards a woman divorc- 

 ing, we would have just as many as here. But in Greece a woman will not 

 divorce her husband. She will suffer almost everything but still stay by 

 him. Woman is absolutely independent. She has one argument in using 

 against her husband. "I will do as you do; whatever is good for you is 

 good for me. If you go out in the night, I will go out in the night. If 

 you go to the club and stay with your friends, I will go to my club and 

 stay with my friends. If you smoke, I will smoke!" They follow this plan 



