The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1873-05-16

knowledge of particular events, that had long
since transpired and had passed into the tradi-
tions of HISTORY. II any OF our readers we're
asked when the first printing press was estab-
lished in North America, 1t is more than prob
able that not one could answer the question
and give the date and locality; yet this very
information is regarded as rather commonplace,
az well as much more OF like nature, bnt no
less important to be known by all intelligent
persons. 1t is by iterating and re-iteratlng
important facts Of past events, and constantly
presenting them to the mind that they become
fixed and como to form portion OF the stock
of the common information OF every intelh-
gent person. II is by constant exercise that
the artisan gains his superior skill the study
and diagnosis Of the manifestations of the
different forms OF disease that makes the trusty,
intelligent and safe physician; the constant
study OF the cases that gives the lawyer his
keen analytical power to draw nice distinctions.
and pass himself off for more learned man
than he really is. The ordinary Intelligent
man needs to possess good degree OF knowl-
edge OF all important facts, whether past or
present ; and for the purpose of making his
knowledge available he needs to frequently re-
fresh his memory by reviewing the history OF
past events. and 80 fix them in his mind as to
be able to call them up with distinctness at
any time when anything occurs to suggest
them, mot impressions but all the facts. II Is
this kind OF training that enables the physician
to immediately call to mind all the symptoms,
manifestations and difficulties in all the cases
that had passed under his observation. so as to
be of value to him in all subsequent cases with
which he many come in contact. 1t is the same
kind OF mental training that enables the lawyer
to judge correctly of any matter brought to
his notice, by simply applying the facts OF any
one or many OF the cases reported in the books
on his shelves to the facts Of the case just
brought to his attention.
The man who has the clearest and most ex-
act knowledge on any one subject is the most
intelligent man on that particular subject. A
man becomes intelligent from thoroughness-
not by hasty, superficial reading. Some Of the
most intelligent men we ever knew were in the
constant habit OF re-reading everything, even
to the newspaper articles in which facts or
hypothesis were stated, and by this means so
fixed them in their minds as to be available for
use or comparison with other facts or theories
whenver occasion required their use.
The man who has thorough knowledge of
few subjects invariably gets credit for a great
deal more learning than he possesses. The
man who should possess thorough knowledge
of the history of this country, although he
might be wonderfully deficient in everything
else, would be regarded as prodigy.
ING Farmers .HOUCmcm .fgainst Rail
waD 6DprCSsiOR.
Having for some years forseen that the next
phase OF popular and political agitation would
turn upon administrative and economic quest
ions, we are not uuprepared to consider these
intricate subjects. nor does the Republican
party shrink from the assumption of the re-
sponsibility TO aid IN their solution.
The agitation of the question Of cheap rail-
way tolls, which has been carried on in Illinois
and the adjoining States, eliminated in the
holding Of a regular state convention at Spring
fed, H.. in which the farmers were represent
ed by upwards of three hundred regularly
chosen and accredited delegates and thus the
lenges the attention OF the entire country.
We regret to observe that 1t is class move
ment; for we would have greatly preferred If
our citizens generally, without distinction of
occupation or political profession, who are in
juriously affected by the extortionate demands
on the part Of railways for toll and fare, had
united to devise proper remedies.
There is always danger that class move
ment will be self-intcrested, partial, and preju-
other interests. The farmers are, moreover
likely to be tempted by political demagogues
to incorporate in their platform resolutions of
a purely political nature, so that few Of them
may be inveigled into new party relations.-
Should they yield to these insidious suggestions
the railroads will not be slow to take advantage
OF this mistake to divert the current Of public
opinion by the substitution Of questions that
are but remotely connected with the point Of
issue. Thus far the farmers have pursued a
judicious course and the resolutions relating
to the increase Of salaries and the tariff, which
we're adopted by the convention on the first day.
were very properly reconsidered on the second,
and laid upon the table upon the ground of
irrelevancy.
Annexed are the resolutions. which fully set
forth the nature OF the complaints of the pro-
ducing classes OF the Western States
" First. That ali chartered monopolies not
. regulated and controlled by law have proven IN
this respect detrimental TO public prosperity,
corruptng In their management, and danger
Gus to republican institutions.
Second. The railways of the world, except
in those countries where they have been held
under strict regulations OF the Government,
I have proved themselves the friends OF arbitrary
extortioD and opposed to free commerce be-
tween the States as the feudal barons OF the
: middle ages.
THIRD. That we hold, declare and resolve
that this despotism, which detes our laws,
plumbers our shippers. impoverishes our people,
and corrupts our Government, shall be sub
dued and made to subserve the public interest
at whatever cost.
RESOLVED, That we believe the State did not,
and could not confer any OF its sovereign pow
er upon any corporation, and that now Is the
most favorable time to settle the question. 80
that it shall be never hereafter misunderstood,
that state can not create corporation which
it cannot thereafter control.
RESOLVED, That in view OF the present ex-
tortions we look with alarm upon the future OF
an interest which can combine IN the hands Of