The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1873-02-21

Al the recent meeting Of the New
York Dairymen's Association, Mr.. Cur
lis spoke on combination for controllin,
prices" In this paper he advocates
more harmony and systematizcd co
operation among farmers. They hav,
been content to occupy back seats while
commercial men, manufacturers, capital
ists, and Spectators have rushed TO tn,
front. They pay, directly and indirectly
all the taxes, and yet secure the leas,
consideration from the Government
and they are themselves to blame. All
prices are fixed by combination among
mechanics, tradesmen, and Spectators.
Farm laborers have not yet organized
to put up prices. The fact that they are
so scattered renders this difficult. The
largest class of all are the only ones not
organized to regulate prices. The result
Of all this is, that the farmers have to
take for what they sell, and to pay for
what they have to buy, just what the
tradesmen, professionals, and spectators
say. Less than one-half the population
dictates all the prices, and the other hall
submit. The prices Of farm tools, Of
manufactures, Of mining products, and
the like, are regulated by combinations,
directly and indirectly. The prices OF
these products are indirectly advanced
by the working men combining and put
ting up the prices Of labor. Then the
manufacturers and dealers combine to
directly regulate the market. And each
and all have an eye TO putting the prices
at a point which will compel you, the
farmer who feeds all, to give them the
largest amount Of food for the smallest
amount Of tools and manufactures. This
is precisely the relation which the agri-
culturists hold towards the other half of
the industrious population Of the coun-
try. The professional men you well
know fix their own prices, and the mon
eyed men take good care that the none
tary laws and financial administration Of
the country are not such as to interfere
with their profits.
The remedy for this state Of thing. he
asserts to be in combination. and says
farmers have it in their power to stop
conspiracy and robbery---to stop legisla-
tion outside of our legislative halls by
selfish men, and the enforcement of their
DEGREES in violation of the principles Of
justice and the rights Of the individual.
The farmers must drop partisan politics,
and no longer be held by ambitious men
eager for the spoils Of Office. They must
so far disregard the politicians, who dare
not offend the organized bands of work
ing men and professionals, as to put up
candidates for the legislature and Con-
gress who will, when elected, pass laws
to suppress all combinations for control
ling prices and interfering with individu-
a freedom of action. ! see no other eff.
fectual remedy, and | believe there is no
other. Is it not worth your while to
tryf
] would suggest that farmers club
be organized in every school district,
which shall be part Of town organiza-
tion Of the same character, and the town
shall be branch of coun-
ty organization, which shall have regu-
lar representation in some State society.
With such a system Of organization,
which need be of very little expense, ev-
cry farmer in the State should make him
self heard and felt. Any idea or sug-
gestion started in the district club should
be carried before town organization and
further discussed. If found Of value, il
would 90 for consideration before the
county society, and by it laid before the
State association for final action and re-
From the State associa-
ton y reverse movement would take
place. Propositions and suggestions
made by it would be sent directly to the
county societies, thence to the town or
CARNATIONS, which would lay the whole
matter before the district clubs, where it
would be talked over and thoroughly di-
gested, with the view of having the re-
suits of ali these -deiberations finally
come before the State associations, to be
into definite form and receive
the final impetus.