It is reported that the state of Texas offered six million acres of land for sale to settlers, at one dollar per acre.  It has been suggested that it would be better that the states should rent out the land at four per cent of the sale price.  This would leave more money in the hands of settlers and enable many to get farms who cannot pay the price and have enough left to raise a crop.  In reality it would be better for the state to help farmers get a start rather than to tax them one dollar per acre to begin with.  However, under our system of government, we permit only those who have money to have land.

There can be no doubt that the state of Texas and her people would be better off if the land were leased than to have it sold.  Probably a tax on the value of the land instead of a rent would be the best for all the people, especially as it would check speculation.

CHAPTER XXI

THE COMING PROFESSION FOR BOYS

In order that as little as possible may seem to be taken for granted or as mere expressions of the opinions of the author, we cite the views of specialists as to the possibilities of this field, so new in this country, of intensive agriculture.

These will show that the conviction has become general that, as workers, as teachers, and as discoverers, there is no career more inviting or more lucrative or more dignified than that of the skillful foster-father of plants.

“Children brought up in city tenements tend to become vicious and sickly, but if transported to country homes they may grow up strong and self-respecting men and women.

“There are hundreds of applicants for every position in the cities, and competition forces the pay down to the lowest level.  Living expenses are heavier.  The risk to health from sedentary occupations, long hours in ill-ventilated offices, stores, and workshops is serious.

“There are few inducements to out-door exercise.  Even if he lives at home, the boy who is forced to the street or into the factory before he has the strength or education to do good work remains an unskilled worker all his life.

“Manufacturing is upon a larger and larger scale.  The division of labor is greater and greater.  Not only does the gulf between capitalist and laborer widen, but with it the gulf between skilled and unskilled labor.” ("What Shall Our Boys Do for a Living?” Charles F. Wingate.)

It is the city that breeds or attracts most of the pauperism and crime.  The country has its own healthy life.

Every one is born with some natural gift, and it is a good thing to discover early in life what one’s natural gifts are so that each may be educated in the direction suited to natural capacity.