Norwich Bulletin Newspaper, October 9, 1915, Page 12

(Written Specially’ For The Bulletin.) A, Windham county reader sends me a ‘rathep elaborately - workedout plan for the management of his farm of about a hundred acres in a part of the county which he describés as “a gress country.” He asks me to “tear it to pieces” if I can-or comment upon it in any other way. ly not gding to “tear it to pieces,’ or even try to: 1 dom't know that I could, if I wanted to, and most emphatically wouldn't want to, if I could. Nor do I feel myself competent to criticise constructively and helpful- 1y its details. I dofft know the farm: I don’t know the labor conditions: 1 don’t know the marketing facilities: most important of all, I don’t know the farmer, whether he is a conserva- tive chap or a radical fellow—a practical expert at working dirt or a man who directs others how to work it—a hard-fisted, big-footed, horny- handed son of toil, or a visionary sort of being given more to dreaming dreams than to grubbing out quack- grass and hoeing corn. “There are too many conundrums on my own farm which I can't answer with any degree of certainty to in- cline me towards tackling the puzzles on any other farm of which I know comparatively little. Now, I'm certa I've know professedly agricultural papers, to whom plans like my corres- pondent’s have been submitted, to comment on them at great length and with a surface air of profound wis- dom—though the commentators plain- Iy showed through every line to a practical reader that they were pure theorists, having no more face-to-face knowledge of the problems they were discussing than I have of my Wind- ham county friend’s conditions. Just that sort of thing has disgust- ed a good many of us real farmers with the professional farm papers. “Don’t never prophesy onless ye know” is pretty good advice in a great many callings: certainly in farming matters. As | understand it, my correspond- ent’s idea is to devote his’hundred acres mainly to stock, cows, sheep and hogs, with just horses enough to do the work, and a little hay and a tew apples to have in reserve. He has a “unit” system, meaning by his unit “the greatest amount of animals that can be handled by one man- without spoiling his efficiency in respect to productive labor.” This “unit” he findg in his case to comsist of “five swee, a hundred pigs and two or (hrée horses.” He lays chief stress on labor, even going so far as to say that “brains don’t amount to a Trow of shucks when it comes to making the dollars roll in from farming. It all depends upon labor” His _‘unit” therefore, is based solely on labor ef- ficiency. He writes: “Ten thousand pounds of cows and theep and twenty thousand pounds of pork when it is marketed, or rath- ef say the crops are heaviest in the fall. The chlef beauty of the hog is that in the spring when crops are pretty well fed out it only weighs 200 pounds, but as the crops grow it grows and attains its maximum ef- ficiency just at harvest time. = The cows and sheep are the balance- heels of the whole business. Furth- ermore, in harvestiag one's crops all he has to harvest is enough to carry 13,000 pounds of live stock through the winter, plus his brood sows, or as I intend to do. T expect to have fifty fall pigs and fifty spring pigs, but the fall pigs will merely be carried. This will spread out the skim-milk from my cows and give each fifty a fairly good start in life. But the wealth of » farm depends upon what One pro- duces per acre, and to show the crops necessary for this unit is the chief proof of my plan. It will take, twelve TAKING THE GAMBLE OUT OF FARMING acres of corn—six harvested for the cows and sheep and six down —six acres of peas hogged six acres of oats harvested for the horses, and six acres of rye or wheat That leaves seventy acres in meadow and pasture. Twenty-four of thi will be alfalfa mown three times, an the rest will be pasture, or forty- four acres of excellent pulur:i as twenty-four acres will be old alfalfa flelds, high in protein. ‘The cows ought to keep up their milk the year through, and we have raised farming from a gamble on whether or no one is going to get his Vear's wages to a business of sure and steady income.” Summarizing results my corres- pondent goes on> *“One ought to get $500 a year from cows; $500 a year from sheep; $500 a year from hogs; $150 a year from hay; $100 a year from apples, at a cost of $650 interest, including house rent and $150 for taxes, insurance, seeds, etc.; alsoraise enough young stock to replace depre- ciation of the live-stock. “Furthermore, using this as a unit, a man can run a farm of 200 or 400 acres and lower cost of production.” It surely sounds well. This man, who is right on the spot, has evidently thought long and deep- 1y over his problem with all the facts before oim that should enable him to see cleurly and think straight. I am not or. the spot. It may be assumed that he knows e hundred times as much abhout the factors which enter into his particular personal equation as I do. The onlv opinion I feel com- petent to form is that his intelligent, Johnny -on-the-syot opinion is likely ta be worth a good deal more than mine—or any other outsider’s. There are some things -about his plan, however, which are not clear to me For cne: Is it an untried system, or onie which has actually been worked outr in ectual experience, with actual men and cows and sheep and pigs, etc.? Really, in farming as in cook- ery, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.. One phrase in his letter—"One ought to get $500 a year from cows,” etc.—leads to the suspicion that the plan may still be mostly on paper, and not yet practically developed. If that be the case, it might be well for all concerned to bide a wee before Dbeing too sure. There have been a good many plans devised by a1 good many people to “take the gamble out of farming” and transform it into a sure thing. Many of them have worked for a_time; some. of them for many vears. But all that I have eyer personally known about have sooner, or later run up against unexpected and unforeseeable contrarities of fortune. Mrs, Parting- ton didn't succeed in sweeping the rising Atlantic out of her kitchen. She undoubtedly was a good sweeper; un- doubtedly she had a good broom. More. over, it may be admitted that, from her standpoint, .the Atlantic had no business. slopping its tide across her kiteh tioor. Nevertheless, the At- lantic ‘beat her out. It was too big for her. . N We farmers don't e to meet the in-floodings of Atlantic tides. But we do have to meet the all-surround- ing, . all-enveloping, all-mastering forces of Uniyersal Nature, of which an ocean tide is cnly one manifesta- tion. We are in large measure de- pendent upon the operations of Nature every season and every day. And we can’t tell, ahead, what Nature is go- ing to do for us-—or with us. If the government bureau, with its thousands «f =tations and its thou- sands of instruments and its thousands of trained observers and expert de- ductionists can’t _tell, twenty-four hours beforehand, what the weather is going to be over our corn patches oftener than every other time, how is the lone farmer going to know in Two Sizes : YOURS FOR HEALTH CONTINENTAL Sanitary Window Ventilators Permits Circulation of Air Prevents Drafts 'Excludes Dust and Dirt Keeps Out Rain and Snow. Prices 25¢ and 35¢ ASK TO SEE THEM AT reston Bros., Inc. Fit All Windows § Another 2 built a fine modern cow barn, most improved -and sani constructi “Hy t in- it a e ood, to be siaugh- attempt to arrest its Personally, I know more about gar- NEW LONDON'S REPUBLICAN VIGTORY Mejor Rogers to Give City a Business i Some of the Probable’ Changes Among the Appointive Officers. After two years of watchful waiting the republicans are again in control of the city -government of New. Lon- don, and by a very comfortable .work- ing majority at that. The new mayor has had experience ' in the council where he served.for three years as alderman, and therefore the municipal plant will be kept in continuous opera- tion, even in a partial change of the working force. Mayor Ernest E. Rog- ers has promised a business adminis- tration and for the city's bést inter- ests, but of course, that business.ad- ministration. will not 'b.,i until the officers within the gift of the council, now filled in the main with democrats, are occupied by those who vote the republican ticket at every election, with perhaps an exception or two. a republican custom in New for a republican council to re- turn to office the men who were ousted by the democrats, and if that custom prevails Charles B. Douglass will suc- ceed John Dray as tax collector, an office for which he is well-fitted by reason of long experience and conced- ed qualifications. His worth was recognized by the democrat who suc- ceeded him in office, and Mr. Douglass was retafned as clerk ever since he lost the office of collector. This is said to be the best-paying office in the city, even better than that of the of- fice of the clerk to the board of as- sessors With a salary of $1,500, and without any overtime of consequence. The pay of the tax collector is eritire- ly on a commission basis, that is he receives a certain percentage of the amount of taxes collected.. Of late years there ‘has been gradual increase in taxes by reason of the increased valuation® as ' well ‘as the increased rate. The larger the taxes the larger the pay of the tax collector, and it has reached a sung sum; but-ho salary is toc large for a tax collector to ac- | cept, for they are mot much different) in that respect than the rest of the | human herd. Sometime, however, there ki hood of a fixed salary for the tax col- | lector, the difference in the salary and the fee system going into the public fund. When that time des come, the fixed salary should be fair and reason- able, due consideration being given to the omportance and responsibility of | the petition. _ With this change there be no damage of the collector- | ship going abegging. This fee system is antiquated and perhaps was proper in the days when the city and town of New London, was not the New Londén of today, when now the busy and con- gested parade was a sort of market place. and where teams of oxen were fed while the farmers sold their wood and charcoal and farm products from their carts. There is no good and sufficient rea- son why the town clerk should not| also be paid a good fat salary in- stead of by fees, that are far in excess of the public service rendered. The pay of the town clerk is known only to the town clerk, but it's a. safe bet that there are very few better-paying positions in the eity of New London. In tkese business administration times little matters of this nature may re ceive the attention of the governing power of the city and town consolida- tion governmen William J.'Brennan, republican town committee and e trict member of the state central com- mittee, the party leader, is candidate for the office. of corporation counsel, bty comon council of the city of New Lon- o Till that has been ‘demonstrated be- youa cavil or question my correspon- ent must pardon me f{or doubting it any system, no matter how intelli- gently planned or expertly a has completely ' “taken Yhe gamble it of ng. farmi PHE FARMER. on the ground that the services were not required in the conduct of the of- fice. : But Mr. Goss is a democrat and will probably walk the narrow and sharply inclined political plank. Mr. Prentis held the office under former republican. rule and therefore js just as much en- titled to a return to office as any of the others who were thrown in the discard to make room for democrats, even If he was held for a year after the others were discarded. The office of personal tax collector, that seems to ft from the mayor never held by a republican, but it will be just as sure as the republicans won out in Monday's election. Mayor Mahan appointed Joseph D. Culver to the position, that carries a salary of $100 a month, and perhaps a little on the side, and Mr, Culver held the place until his death. Then Mayor Mahan appointed the present incumbent Jer- ome J. Collins, and he has filled the of fice very acceptably. But he was ap- pointed as a democrat and as a dem- ocrat he will be guided down the nar- row plank and be succeeded by a Mayor Rogers' worker who will fit in Mshan worker. The candidates for this plum are after it with a cat-like tread, so quietly that their individu- ality cannot be identified. The echo of the promised business administration sounds something Mlke to the victors belong the spoils. Just as it ought to e. James Ryan, son of Ex-Alderman John Ryan, democrat, is the present building inspector, who will be re- lieved by a republican, and from. pres- ent indications -by a republican not long in the ranks, but who trained as a democrat for many years and, who, in fact, was a democrat candidate for the office one year ago, but was de- feated by Mr. Ryan. It is understood that the office will go to Benjamin R. Linicus, and there is no man in the city better qualified for the place. He was bullding inspector 'several years ago and will need no instruc- tion in the duties of the office. Mr. Linicus is a carpenter of long experi- ence, and, under the conditions, is en- titled to the favorable consideration of a republican council. It will be a, re- lief to some council members if*the other candidates for the place with- drew and made the sailing clear for Mr, Linicus. He'd be a model inspec tor of buildings. The reelection of Thomas R. Mur- ray, democrat, as an assessor, was the wonder of Monday’s election and he was the only democrat saved from the democratic wreck, a sort of sole sur- vivor of his party. The normal ma- jority of the party based on the vote for registrars was over 500, but Mr, Murray overcame that ‘majority and led his opponent by eight votes, a very small majority, but a mighty big vote. He clearly demonstrated that per- sistent effort is crowned with success. Barring a few hours of night repose, “Big Tom”, went here and there and the office just as snug as did a M-.yorl dom, for over a quarter century or more. Not but what there are burg, for there was a time when American citizens born in Germany took active part in the political life ol! the city and such reall; v and Tharles F. Stoll, were members of the city government. Mr. Schleiter, bsequently removed to Meriden and was water commissioner in that eity for many years. Of the heads of the old German families of New the Kopps, the Goss's, the Hammell's; the Linicus, the Kunzelman, the Po- big, the Major Henry Stoll, the Goff, the Ruckert, the John's, and others that have slipped from memory, in addition to those named, haveall pass- ed away, but some of their descend- ants are among the most valued citi- zens and intensely interested In ad- vancing the best interests of their na- tive, city. Tolland County EAST WILLINGTON W. C. Ruby is to start his steam saw mill, which has been shut down for the summer. C. S. Amidon and L. Blakley were in Willimantic Tuesday on business. Leroy Wilson has gone to work for N. €. Ruby The shortage of apples in this vi- cinity does not seem to effect 'the cider busimess by the appearance of the loads that pass through to and from the cider mills, even on Sunday. Washington County, R. 1 HOPKINTON School Committes Appoints ~ New Truant Officer—Medical Inspection For Schools—New Record Vault For Town Hall. Colonial Theatre “Strange Case of Talmai Lind, 3-Reel Animal Feature 5 Presenting Kathlyn Williams, Heroine of “The Rosary” “DOROTHY,” 2 Reels, Vit. Maurice Costello, Maurics and Others Mary Pickford in Dramatic Hit and “Broncho - Bil Begins Life Anew” “Slater Hall Course POPULAR LECTURES OCTOBER 18, 4 P. M. WILLIAM LYON PHELPS, Ph. D, Yale A Literary Pilgrimage in Eng'and OCTOBER 25, 8 P. M. GEORGE 8. WORCESTER ILLUSTRATED. The Picturesque Philippines NOVEMBER 1, 8 P. M. ALFRED NOYES, L. H. D, Princeton Optimism in the Paetry of the Future NOVEMBER 8,8 P. M. W. H. P. FAUNCE, D. D, LL. D, Brown From Cairo to Peking NOVEMBER 15,8 P. M. C. T. WINCHESTER, L. H. Dy, Wesleyan Present Aspects of American Literature NOVEMBER 22, 8 P, M. ARTHUR T. HADLEY, LL. D, Yale The Demand for Military Education tire course, $3.00 ecach, on sale at store of George 7, on and arter October Sth. 3 The quarterly meeting of the town school committee was held in the town hall Monday morning. Su- perintendent Henry J. Wheeler pre- sented his quarterly report. Henry H, Crapdall was appointed truant of- | Aicer in_Voting District No. 2 to fill the vacahcy caused by the dedath of George H. Barber. Bills to the amount of 311633 were ordered pald. The su- perintendent was authorized to pro- vide medical inspection of the pupils in_the school town council Held its regular Monday afternoon. Frank Crandall was elected town ser- geant and Herbert C. Blacklock. seal- or of weights and measurers. both to fill the vacancy caused by the death of George H. Barber. Herbert &. Lewis was elected collector of taxes for the sum of $174 as he was the only bidder qualified to serve. Bills were ordered paid to the amount of $577.39. Probate ‘Business Disposed Of. At the sessipn of the probate court Elmer E. Kenyon, administrator on the estate of Jeremiah K. Sherman. was given permission to sell the real estate of the deceased as the personail property is not sufficient to pay the indehtedness of the estate. The last will and testament of George. M. Gorton was admitted to probate and Abble S. Greene was con- firmed as executrix. Ezekiel S. Boss was appointed ad- ministrator on the estate of his late father, Stephen R. Boss, with Eldred F. Collings appraiser. The inventory of the estate of Hor- ace H. Rodman was received and or- Tickets for the A. Davis, 25 Broad NOTICE. All pupils of the late Thomas Knowl. ton Peck. with thelf husbands and wives, are cordially Invited to a reun- T Al Ct.. Oct. The morn- ing will be spent in social intercourse. During the noon recess, coffee and tea will be served. The pupils. wil provide for themselves a lunch. afternoon session a door has arrived and now the masons can finish its construction. Walter F. Mills is repairing the dam to the ice pond on the west road at Hopkintop City and will erect an ice house soon. Judge Nathan B. Lewis ,of Kings- ton, was a business caller in town on Monday. Harriet C. Kenyon and her daughg- ers, Zoe C., and Essle I. Kenyon, re- turned Friday from a visit with friends in Providence. John G.. Kenyon's Death. John G. Ketyon, who died suddenly of heart disease Thursday last week at the home of his sis- ter, Ann M, Kenyon, on High street, Ashaway, was a resident of Kansas for many years but had been here are expected to move from. Potter Hill to the George B. Carpenter house on High street, Ashaway at an early Jate. ROCKVILLE G. F. Barber of Woody Hill wag in everywhere about the city, simply re- minding the voters, regardless of party politics, that he was a candidate for reelection to the board of assessors and that if the aforesaid voters could conscientiously place a cross opposite his name on the ballot it would mean sure election; and the voter was re- minded that oftentimes a single vote turped the trick. “Tom"” Murray went out after that one vote and got what he went after. with a salary of $1,200 a year. He Is, under_the customary rule, the logical candidate for office. He held the posi- tion for several years, but when the democrats gained control of the coun- cil two years ago, he was ousted to make room for :Abel P. Tanner, a dem- ocrat, Mr. Tanner being. set aside a tion handed over to Willlam T. Con- nor, who in addition held the salaried office of registrar of voters. Mr. Brennan _succeded Frank B. Brandegee when that gentieman decfd- ed to serve his' county as member of congres and then United States sena- tor. Mr. Brennan is favored for the place by the party organization and there- fore ought to land the office.® Before election there was ent report successful 3 ‘Wkether his u;a:ld-lfl! is of the last- council has for distribution to the faithful. Ex-Charity Commisaioner Charles a republ Wi dispargement to others, it is conceded th that Mr. the ;@. uun'::flimm He made ‘commiss| n of matters pertaining ‘to The republican party gained a great victory in Monday's election and it wi celebrated to the limit, with parade headed by a band, marched to the res- idence of Mayor Rogers, where the paraders were hospitably received, a dered recorded, this piace Wednesday. most of the time for more than a The account of Willlam L. Clarke, 76 1. H E. N. G. Barber is attending the executor of the will of Clark F. Lang- B yrtianan: respecied D superior court. at Westerly this week worthy, was allowed and ordered |y, uto 'O N - recorded. G. B. orthy, who spends his - The last well an¥ testament of John H. Andrews was rel to Septem- ber first' next with order of notice. Rev. E. P. Mathewson New Record Vault. young people’s meeting at Potter Hill Work on the new record vault in|chapel Sunday evening. the town hall is progressing. The Willred H. Blackburn and family Miss Lena Saunders was a caller in Westerly Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Willam Hammond and family of Wickf ‘were guests recently of Mr. and G. r. Langw summers at Watch Hill, was at his home here Tuesday. led the You'll Find Style in the Dictionery, and in march through some of the principal thoroughfares with torches and Greek fire and there was enthusiasm all along the line just as there should be for such an eventful occasion. There was a feature.in the parade that should never be permitted on such an occasion hereaffer, and was not au- thorized in the parade of last Monday night. Six of the fire organization of the eight comprising the volunteer fire Benjamin Clothes department paraded with their fire apparatus, regardless of .the conse- quences, leaving only two in readiness for active fire duty in response to call. the loss of life or limb, to some one or more assembled with fire a yond. question that there is discipline in the engineer sulted in the matter. rentis, who was retained for a year|can be in the lack of t, as ‘WaS not’even con- NEW YORK For Young Men and Their Elders and don’t have to strain your eyes to find it in Ben- Benjamin G s in, shede jamin all over every stays in.’ long service and you have a word picture of a Benjamin suit—just Mmflnl,fm’ti!?_