In New England

New England is a backward, decadent section. Its factories are out-of-date; its inhabitants are idlers; its ideas have not yet emerged from the sperm-oil days. These words (or words less polite) have been spoken and applauded many times at booster meetings of towns to the West and to the South. When the Chicago Tribune castigates "the effete East," it usually refers to New England.

"New England is a reservoir of the most skilled labor, the most skilled direction, and the highest intelligence in the United States."--Herbert Hoover.

What's wrong? The answer can probably be found in the New Englander's reticence to ballyhoo himself and his community. He has been quietly going about his business for two centuries. His industrialism, deeprooted, has grown like an oak and not like a mushroom.

To give the rest of the U. S. an unbiased view of New England, "to stem the flow of low meanings, heard both within and without," the New England Council was formed in 1925 at a meeting of businessmen and governors of the six New England states. Last fortnight, this "stimulating and coordinating agency" assembled in Providence, R.I. Its president, John Silsbee Lawrence, 49, Boston dry goods merchant, bank director, member of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, pointed with pride to the accomplishments and plans of N. E. C.:

Flood. Gathered swiftly $1,000.000 in guaranteed credit for rehabilitation in flooded Vermont.

Agriculture. Electrified systematically many rural areas.

Industry. Conducted the first survey of industrial migration ever attempted in New England, found that New England had gained more industries than she lost in 1926, began studying 1927.

Shipping. Formed a New England-Virginia committee to promote coastal shipping.

Aviation. Did not neglect.

Consciousness. Issued 27 publications to sell New England to herself and others. An example: "Town, try these on your town (14 questions to test the industrial strength of a community)."

N.E.C. is composed of 12 delegates from each of the New England states.