The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1873-06-05
What the Farmers Movement
Means.

From Coleman's Rural World.
A great many are at loss to know what
the great uprising among the farmers means.
Some persons think it dangerous indica-
ton. II many he dangerous TO bad men To
elicit combinations; to INSCRIPTIONS rings
and cliques; to sonlless mOnOpolists, who
live; like leeches on their life blood; to uu-
principled schemers who form corners to
plumber them-but it is only dangerous to
men like these. The farmers can be trusted.
They are honest and patriotic They find
thew have been tools in the hands of bad
men: that others have led them about by
the nose long enough, and in fact, have made
themselves accessories to their own degra-
dation and impoverishment This move
ment means that a stop il to be put to this
sort of business-that instead of being led,
they intend to lead hereafter; that as they
have the power in their hands, which of
right belongs to them, they intend to exer-
else it, and they feel certain by so doing
thew can bring about needed reforms.
This movement likewise means a greater
self-reliance among farmers. 1t means
that they are going to do portion of their
own thinking; that they are going to quail
fy themselves to act as leaGers and formers
of public opinion and sentiment; that they
are going to devote attentan TO brain work
as well as farm work, that they are going to
become better farmers, more influential cit
izens true patriots, and be firmer and holder
in the expression of their rights.
Can any harm come of such movement?
Is IL dangerous to let the farmers organize,
unite, talk and think for themselves. Is it
dangerous for them to become more intel-
ioent. influential and active; Perhaps they
lack leaders, but they will develop these
from among themselves-men they can
trust who are identified with them in SYM
pathy and interest. Those connected with
| the movement will likewise see the impOr-
lance of qualifying their sons for the duties
of citizenship. If they themselves are not
| competent to boldly advocate what they
believe to be right, what is necessary for
/ their own protection. they will see the inn
port3nce of qualifying their sons to do it,
/ The farming classes are almost totally ig-
/ nored. when il comes to representation
With a majority of all the votes in the land,
| they in reality do not have single farmer
/ in Congress to represent them. They de-
/ pend entirely upon other classes to legIslate
/ for them. and they have given legislation
that has impoverished them and enriched
others. The whole farming country is now
/ suffering in consequence. and will continue
| ~ @S,fFer until relief is obtained In iusteI
| and mere equitable laws. Just ia proper
| tion as the rich are becoming richer, the
moor are becoming poorer, and it will not
| be long before we shall have here an aris-
| tocracy of wealth, equalling that found in
the old world. This movement then means
that agriculture. the great nursing mother
/ of all the industries, shall not be starved
and robbed TO enrich others, but shall
have the same protection and care in the
Legislation of the country. that is awarded
"a anv other interest. She wants no ad.
lvanfagea. but she insists upon giving nont
to otllers, and she claims that she has righ
| TO demand representation In proportion Il
the number Of her followers.