warning facts. They foretell the
coming whirlwind of disaster. We may be sure that, if these things are
allowed to continue without opposition, long before the close of the
twentieth century, our agricultural people will be reduced individually
to the abject serfdom of a houseless, homeless day-laborer. At this
time it is almost impossible for a majority of the sons and daughters of
the farms of our Republic to obtain possession of enough land to enable
them to follow in the footsteps of their parents, by devoting their
lives to agricultural pursuits. Many of them have already entered the
downward path of the unfortunate tenant. Many others have been forced to
find employment in other pursuits.

"You ask how can this coming disaster be averted? How can our people be
saved from such a hopeless future?

"I answer, by the farmers, united with those who wish to become farmers,
coming together everywhere in force; by pooling their issues; by helping
themselves; by organizing co-operative farms like this, armed with
schools in which skilled workmen may be taught to successfully carry on
profitable allied manufacturing industries. Monopolistic farms cannot
then successfully compete. With demonstrations, such as we are making
here to-day, springing up by hundreds and thousands in each county and
state, during the next thirty years, what may we expect? The last
remaining serf will have been emancipated. The hopeless tenant and the
landless farmer can no longer be found. No one can be induced to toil,
for owners of the monopolistic farm. The owners will not and cannot work
themselves. The experience of a few unprofitable years will urge them to
sell their lands to the co-operators at such prices as they may be
inclined to offer. The victory will be ours. A glorious victory truly!
But, we must not expect to gain this victory without a severe struggle.
In the earlier stages of the movement, the monopolist will soon
recognize the co-operative farm as an enemy which must be fought to the
bitter end, must be stamped out. To this end they will strive in every
way to prevent us from obtaining possession of desirable lands.

"This determined opposition we must expect and be prepared to meet.
Forestry will help us to another solution of the problem. As the
tree-planting farms continue to multiply, the increased rainfall will
cause the area of tillable lands, to gradually extend beyond the borders
of the arid lands. Therefore in case of