Speech #640098807

All roads lead to the schoolhouse. This Republic must depend for Its future greatness upon an Intelligent and homeloving people. The religious and social life of our people is largely influenced by the conditions where they reside. "Good roads are the most potential and successful immigrating agents in this country. The most desirable farmers and the best wives and helpmeets are the young men and the young women raised on the farms. Under existing conditions they are continually drifting t6 the towns and cities. They are progressive and social in their nature. and will not remain on the farm unless they can have those benefits and pleasures that association and companionship afford. The loneliness of the country home. away from neighbors and friends. where the schools and the churches are poorly maintained. where the farmer and his wife and children are denied the advantages of educational and religious training. are the principal causes for the removal of large numbers of our people from the country to the towns and cities. The farmer is seeking better advantages for his family. and unless the country can be made to supply. in some measure. these benefits. there will continue to be a congestion of population in the cities. "We send a commission to Europe to investigate the question of immigration. and many States maintain immigration bureaus in order to secure desirable farm and industrial labor. The question is often asked by the intelligent and thrifty immigrant. Have you good roads? The most desirable immigrant comes from a country where he is accustomed to good roads. and if he is located where the roads are almost impassable for a great part of the year. he will remain no longer than to make and harvest the first crop. " One of the problems in connection with the transportation system of the country. and one which has in many ways been the subject of discussion. is the congestion of traffic and the inability of the railroads. during certain periods of the year. to move promptly the products of the farm. factory. and mine. Great inconvenience. and oftentimes enormous losses. are sustained both by the producer and the consumer because of the inability of the railroads to deliver freight to its destination at times when it was most needed and commands the best prices. The railroads have not been able to expand and enlarge their carrying facilities in proportion to the increase in production.