The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1873-05-29
IMPORTANCE OF THE FARMERS
WORK.


WORK.
According to late statistics, the pop
ulation of the world exceeds one bill.
lion. This vast number of human be-
ings, these multitudinou, millions. all
are dependent upon agriculture as the
agent Of that Providence which giveth
them their meat in due season. Let
then, the Thoughtful man, who desires
to form just idea Of the importance
Of the farmers work, reflect, when he
seats himself at the table to partake
the mornings meal, that a billion or
more of his fellow men have awakened
from sleep that morning, with the
same craving appetite for bread that
reigns within himself, aud that the
enormous supply consumed for their
breakfast must be replenished and re-
newcd twice or thrice each day. Then
let him ada, in imagi nation, to this
bewildering extent Of daily demand
aud supply of food of the human race,
all the humble partakers Of mans toll
the lower animals-are to be sup
piled in like manner. He will then
see the primary Importance of the
farmers work. The art Of agricul-
ture is the parent and precursor of all
arts, and its products the foundation Of
all wealth. Why, then, are not those
engaged in this necessary pursuit en-.
couraged and fostercd. 1t was the
farmer that saved the nation as we'll as
made it, but out of dollars that are
yearly appropriated in land grants,
little or none is appr opriated directly
to the farmer. Farmers, think Of
these things; and if you wish your oc-
cupatiou, upon which all the industrial
pursuits are founded, protected; if
you wish to stand before the world as
men, and not as isnoble hirelings, bet
ter prepare yourselves for the work.
Join Grange of the Patrons of Hus.
bandry, and not labor single handed as
you are now doing. I pointed out in
a previous letter the way by which
you can procure farming implements
on easier terms. In this I wish to call
your attention to few facts in relation
to merchants and merchandise. The
Oranges, in many places, "run" their
own stores: but as general thing they
deal with the merchants At North
field, John Vannatler supplies the
Oranges (some Is or 16 in number)
with goods at ten per cent. above cost.
At Faribault, Mr.. Lagrave trades with
the Oranges in that locality for eight
per cent above cost. These merchants
know what thay can handle goods for,
and claim they make a fair profit.
Here in this western part of MINNIE
sofa, we pay uuheard Of prices for our
merchandise. 30 per cent. and on
some articles 100 per cent. is charged
by the merchants. Farmers, are you
never to get your eyes open, to see that
you are gulled by every class and sec
toni Arouse yourselves and demand
change; not only though the heav-
ems fall, but even though considera-
bic number of these merchants are
compelled to deal fairly. But it will
be said, "Will not this system the Pat.
rons have adopted destroy the mer-
chants ?" Yes! We purpose to ex-
puuge-send out into active servics, at
least so per cent. Of the present mum ;
Der, aud the remaining portion, having
their trade increased by this diminu-
ton, can certainly sell us goods at
lower figures; and if the question has
to come between the merchants des-
troying the farmers and the farmers
destroying the merchants, I prefer that
the merchants shall go under and the
farmers survive. Now if the clear
headed business men of our citiesl and
towns would take broad view of this
matter, casting aside all narrow local
interests: if they would adopt meas
ures of mercy and generosity, and deal
fairly and justly, their profits at the
end Of the year would be far greater
than they now are. Give the farmers
prosperity aud have no fears for the
merchant. The present high prices
on goods diminishes our purchasing
power, and We are obliged to econo.
mize, which of course signifies a
shrinkage ofthe entire business Of the
country to the same extent. The
farmers feel the weight Of this more
than any other class, for they are the
principal consumers. and to-day they
are satisfied if they can procure the
bare necessaries of life /; as for the lux.
uries and re6nements, those are utterly
beyond their reach or expectations.
i Although the Patrons realize a great
relief in the reduction Of nr;"es
merchandise. b., ysS, this is but the
first step toward pecuniary success
The Order aims at higher game.
! H. r. MARcYEs,
Deputy P. H.
Lynd. May l9, 1873.