attitudes, of how rural opinion is formed and manipulated, similar to the brilliant work of Robert H. Hoxie and Carleton W. Parker, which has done so much to give us a better appreciation of the spirit and motives of trade unions. Here is a field in which important contributions may be made which will be of very great value to agricultural organizations, but for which a knowledge of their mechanism and economic basis, such as Dr. Wiest has given us, is essential.
Whether or not we agree with his position in all cases, Dr. Wiest's evaluation of methods and principles of organization should stimulate thought and discussion. Such questions as whether state commissioners of agriculture should be appointed by a governor or by a non-partisan board or whether they should be subject to some type of civil service and have an indefinite tenure so that they would be chosen and retained in office for their ability and efficiency as is a member of a university faculty; whether the American Farm Bureau Federation is wise in attempting to act as a mouthpie e for the American farmer with regard to national legislation or whether it might better confine its activities to an educational and economic program ; these and similar questions of public policy require a broader and more thoroughgoing consideration.
In developing our agricultural policies we should take heed of all that science, economies, history and social organization can teach. Dr. Wiest has given us the first comprehensive treatise on agricultural organization in the United States from this standpoint.
Cornell University,
Ithaca, N. Y.,
April, 1923.
