New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-10-04
THg GRANGE M0VEMENr IN MICHIGAN
A MASS CONVENTION AT KALAMAZoO-THE EVILS OF
MONOPOLY-HOw TO REMEDY THEM.
lRY TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBtrNEI

! A MASS CONVENTION AT KALAMAzoo-TnE EVILS OF
MoNOPOLY-How To REMEDY THEM.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRBUSE.l
KALAMAZOO, Oct. 3-The Michigan State
Grange of Patrons of Husbantry held Conven-
ton for Southeastern Michigan here, to-day at least
1000 people being present The exercises began at
o'clock with an address from the Hon W. C. Fagg Of
Maroa, ILL.,, who was among the earliest ad-
vocates of the Farmers Movement in that
State. He commenced by stating the origin Of the
movement and described the difficulties encountered in
its initiation, saying that the several monopoes with
which farmers had 20 contend sharply watchful
and aggressive to their rights and interests and these
several monopoes had conspred together to defeat the
farmers in this movement. He declared tnlt all the
railroad and steamboat lines OF the country
nopoes, as in the beginning they had cost lit
tie and had earned amounts that had been
divided in money in stock, and were so far
masters Of the situation to impose their terms,
which without exception high deprive the
producing class, the farmers, Of the profits to which
they were legmatelv entitled or tins several illus
tratiOus were given. He denounced mddlemen being
in the railway and steamboat conspiracy, and using
their best efforts to keep farm products low possible
themselves realizing handsome profits from consumers
as creating monopOes Of the dangerous and OPP
pressive character. Tho trouble was that too many
corporations being created by state and national
authority without proper limitations He charged that
the railways not economically managed, and
claimed that under proper management the rates might
DO largely reduced for freghts and still handsome dvi
dlnd5 be declared The NorthW West raises most OF the
produce exported 10 Europe and yet the farmers OF
tho Northwest remain poor because OF the enor-
freight tariffs OF the railways. He declared that
the remedy for all this state and National super
vision OF the railway and steamboat lines. including
control the telegraph SYSTEM in Europe claiming
that and National boards Noud be the best means
20 reach the evil. Heavy taxes had been imposed upon
The nublic hy many enterprises OF q private char
acter, which had grown beyond the reach
legislation. The vast donations OF land to railroad
ons had not been limited TO Congress but had
bpr Legislatures,
and city authorities The present monetary system of
the country inflated consequently dangerous
one, and should be remedied at once But the other
evils of excessive freight tariffs OF the utmost i'm
@ c s ne ond sg 20 ant fh men ne we're cent 10 ne
Legislature who would that their rights should be
rriehtcd
Mr. Flaeg was followed by the Hon Mark D. Wilbur.
STATE major from the Auegin District VINO mas Oeeh
somewhat conspicuous in connection with the trans
Poraon Question and who no last Winter de-
ture upon this subject. Mr.. Wi,burs remedy for
the evils complained of by the farmers was
water transportation, ana the views expressed were
similar 10 those heretofore presented by him at Lansing
compel the Invention OF new railway economy IN con
structlug economy In operating roads, and conse-
Hon. j. G. Burrows, member OF Congress elect
from the Kalamazoo District. then made a
short speech which well received though he took
with the theory that only farmers had wrongs 10
night. lie insisted that a movement against monopohes
the interest OF one class Resolutions were presented
enboiyins tha points made III Mr. Fasgs speech, and
The rain which began falling about o'clock prevented
the gathering Of az large an audience as would other
wise have listened to the speeches, and compelled Mr..
wilbur % De brief The presentation OF
Oranges was mainly confined to Kalamazoo
County, about 1000 members being present.
An earnest feeling prevailed among the farmers
AZ 20 the movement. and they were sanguine
that great good to be accomplished by It. COnyer
satI0n with many leading members discloscs the
fact that they opposed TO Its
suming a political character, at least at present
conhuing themselves TO organization OF Oranges and
discussion Of methods OF relief through cooperation
the purchases Of supplies and sale OF their products.
The Stare Grange contemplate holding other meetings at
once. aud unlikely that "A State Convention will
De held during the coming Winter.