Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Ag Building [PAGE 30]

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28 full—crowded as we have seen. They no longer pay, to put it short, but that is not all nor most important; men and women conscious of power to aid in the world's needed work and inspired by* sublime desire and ambition to add by their labors something to the world's comfort, happiness and betterment, disdain to waste their trained powers where not needed. If place, success and competence are to be gained for themselves, in professional life, it must too often come by displacing and defeating1 others* With the conditions of the unskilled laborer and the artisan in the city we are familiar. Living employment is uncertain; there are too many. The mechanic, for self preservation is compelled to limit the number of apprentices in his craft, even to the exclusion of his own son. Professional men are hesitating to bring up their sons to their own calling. How is it with trade and commerce? There is war between individuals and coperation for trade, of which there is not enough t a go around * and nations that once fought for liberty and honor are now ready to fight for trade. The way out of it all is to the farm. To the farm is the place to go now, and to the farm is the thing to do. People see i t ; not only plain men now, but schooled, educated, learned men see it and the more they know the better they see it. Necessity may be the ointment that is opening their eyes, but they see it all the same. To my young friends who question me as to the most promising field for effort now, I answer without hesitation, the corn field. We are about to return—we are returning to agriculture. We are taking another step in the evolution of better things for mankind. To the half employed, to the disappointed, discontented, striving, struggling millions in other over crowded pursuits, agriculture says, come unto me and I will give you employment; I will give you food and clothing ; I will give you homes; I will give you contentment and honor ; I will give you peace. But we are returning to a new agriculture, an agriculture lighted and glorified by science. To the new agriculture the agricultural college and experiment station will be the main gateway.