River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-04-18
Association.

Assert our independence as we will,
we are, nevertheless, dependent one up
on another in every emergency, and un-
der all circumstances in human life.
The practical eye can discern this at a
glance. The practical men and women
of civilized society, long since learned
this fact; hence we find partnerships
formed, companies organized, and ma
tons developed tits the abuse of pow
or, and not its proper use, that has
brought out the anathemas against asso.
Citations and monopolies. But where
lies the remedy? We answer that it lies
in asseeiation-it lies in intelligent, com
blned action. The old cry that, "Part-
nership is poor ship to sail in" has
become stale, and all the theory there
ever was in it, is now exploded. There
is nothing like union, and it was long
since an axiom that, I'm union there
is strength" While we acknowledge
this in theory, why should we ignore it
in practicey Singly and individually
we are weak for any purpose whatever,
but united effort, directed by intelli-
gence, will accomplish great results.
But there is a complaining spirit abroad;
it is found among the working people,
generally,-among mechanics, artisans
and farmers. Complaining has become
chronic, and even systematic, and all to
no purpose. It has no virtue in itself,
and those who listen, do so only to learn
how to aggravate the evil complained of.
Is not this the experience of all? Such
is our opinion, at least, now try it with
your compasses, kind reader.
But the world is moving-moving-
moving still. 1t is now conceded that
one body of certain weight and dimen-
sions, can resist another of the same
weight and dimensions. For many
years the cry has been, "Do,ca ruth HE
moaopolies." But to what purpose?
Neril y-none other than to strengthen
them. What, then, will resist them?
Nothing short of combinations, or asse-
Citations equally powerful. But how can
these be formed? We answer, Hey must
be fo;nca, and when tie imperative"
is universally conceded, the ''inevitable"
will certainly be developed. There need
be no general rush to arms or other
violent means, but general concession,
and concert of action The toiling
millions are behind the throne, and an
intelligent movement among them will
crush out any monopoly in existence
But, be not deceived. A sudden
of the farmers, or of any one
class, will accomplish little perhaps
nothing. at first Neither be ye deceiv-
cd by the cry that the evils in society
are mainly of a political character, and
that change in rulers win relieve our
condition To organize political parties,
is comparatively oasy-too easy, indeed
Hence there is little virtue in them.
Associations TO be powerful, must be So
cial in their character; they must con-
centrate many ideas, and give free scope
to intelligence, morality and religion.
Not that they need be, or should be
sectarian, but the fundamental principles
of Christianity must be recognized by
them. The time has come when all
christendom should be aroused-when
the general mind should be pointing in
one direction. Let this be done and
'monopolies" viii vanish. They will
then be known as mythology Of the
past and nothing more.
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