Smyrna times., 1873-12-31

THE WESTERN FARMERS GONG TO REGU
LATE PoLITIcAL MATTERs.-The farmers of
Illinois have just held what they called State
Farmers Association. 1t was held at Decatur,
in that State, and lasted for three days, closing
on the 10th of December. The Association, as
we understand from the published proceedings,
is entirely independent of the Patrons of Hus-
bandry, though many Of the Patrons were in-
terested in the movement. 1t proposes to
mend public affairs in that State, and with
that object in view a regular platform or dec
laration of principles was adopted, by which it
expects to supersede the political parties and
take control of the State Government. The
following is synopsis of the platform to which
the members pledged themselves
They declare, |, that il is the duty Of citizens to
Rttend primary meetings and take active part in
political campaigns; g that the recent record Of
Doth the old political parties is such foreii the
respect and confidence of the people, who there.
fore sbsolved from all allegiance 10 them and should
act no longer with them 3, that the salary bill
must be repealed absolutely A, in favor of reduc:n
the salaries of public officers; D, for reform of the
abuses in the civil service g. that the navigation Of
the lakes and rivers be improved as early pructl-
cable Z, plain aud uncompTomsing opposition 10
the whole system of a protective tariff; 3, against
further grants OF land, and against the loaning OF
government credit to corporations 9, in favor Oi
repeating the national currency act and the issue Of
all currency direct from The United States Treasury
to be intercOnvertbfe with low interest. bea rin
bonds 10. for the revision and restriction of the
patent laws ii, against such a construction OF the
Illinois State constitution will authorize annua
sessions OF the Legislature; IL approval of the
isting railway legislation in this State and the de
mand that the national government shall not inter
fere on the ground of regulating commerce between
the States; l3, the right Of the Legislature to con
troll railroads. H. the prohibition of free passes 70
public officers; Is, reduction in public expenditures
aHd Is, against the combination of the plowmake
This Association seemed to think that
party of farmers organized on this platform
would solve all the difficulties in that Stat
and put an end to the farmers troubles Blu
it remains to be seen first, whether or not
will gain footing, and second, whether it wi
succeed in bringing the answer, if it does. A
parties erect good platforms, as good as th
one, and all parties are equally loud in demand
ing honesty and fair dealing, but it is yet
be tested whether or not party controlled
farmers can keep to the mark any better tha
the old political parties have done. Men al
not wire-puers because they happen to
called Republicans or Democrats, but becau
they are seeking personal profit and any par
that shall gain power and influence will dra
the wire-pulls to it. IF the old recognz,
craftsmen do not show their heads, new on
will spring up. The elements of the party a
not changed materially by changing the nam
The members Of this party formerly constit
ted the two old parties it affects to despis
aud we cannot see wherein their hope lies.