The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-01-11
'Mhs Eartt.
COOPERATION.


From the American Farmers Adpocate.
No word in the English language, today,
expresses so much Of the American farmers
necessity as does this. This it is, and this
alone, which will enable them to derive
from their vocation that remuneration
which is their due, which will make them
equal with their fellows in other pursuits
of life.
While tits true, and necessarily so, that
there is difficulty in concentrating the eff
fects of individuals so widely scattered,
this very fact renders it all the more ne
cessary that it should be done. Advan-
tage is taken of the isolated condition of
the farmer, by those whose business draws
them more cempactly together, and unless
counter organizations are effected they will
soon be at the mercy of inferior numbers
and of subordinate trades and professions
1t will not suffice to say that as these Or
CARNATIONS have not generally assumed a
threatening attitude they will not do So
1t is "human nature" that the strong
should control the weak and it is but a
step beyond gentle firmness to domineer-
ing firmness in the exercise of controlling
power. This life is all a struggle for the
"upper hand,'' and so that the proprieties
are not altogether sacrificed, success, by
whatever means achieved, receives publ
approval.
1t is this power, of rival interests, gain
ed by superior organizations which is max
ing the farmer the slave. Though he
"feeds all - and "pays for all, he is to
day unable to name the price of his own
products, or to demand, and obtain, fair
share of their consumptive value.
In nothing, perhaps, has he yet felt the
power of organization as in the grinding
severity of railroad eSactions. Not that
these are the only combinations he has to
fear. nor the only ones which now bleed
him. The manufacturers combine against
him: the warehouse men combine against
him; the commission men combine against
him; spectators combine against him; but
~ SO---
petition and they do not hesitate to openly
demand the last farthing which may, by
any means within their power, be tilches
from their dependent customers. And how
have they obtained this power, to grind
two-t thirds of all the population of the
country-a free country, governed by the
ballots of the people-as between the up
per and neither milestone? Simply by CO.
operation and organization. Acting to-
gether they control legislation and in this
we have stated the whole difficulty. They
control legislation! And it is here, if at ALL
that we must meet them. That tie far
mers have the power to direct legislation
if they will, there can be no doubt. They
cannot, however, do it by individual action
nor by local or even sectional combination.
1t must be general and universal.
The influence of the individual farmer
as against these corporations, or with the
government, is as drop of water to the
great Mississippi; and yet, like the noble
river which no human power can check as
it approaches the sea, an aggregation of
the farmers influence throughout the
country would be irresistible.
1t would secure an equitable adjust
ment of rates from transportation COM
panies; it would command the protection
of the government to its interests in COM
mon with others; the organization neces-
sary to secure these ends would open the
way to more perfect system of reports by
which prices could be regulated, and at
the same time would stimulate every
branch of agricultural industry to further
advancement.
Cooperation is the talsmanic word. By
it we may accomplish all we desire. With
out it we may soon be trampled to the earth
by giant Monopoly; and if we will not act
for self-protection, who shall say that we
do not deserve such fate?
Farmers ! we warn you of the danger.
We do it earnestly, seriously. Will you
give it heed? We have in present local
agricultural societies beginning of the
organization, and these, by acting through
and with the National agricultural Con-
gress, may soon be able to command the
respect of the world. If the officers of
your societies are slow to move, spur them
to immediate action. Let every society
in the land be represented at the next ses-
sion of the Congress in indianapolis, and
where there are no local societies now, Or
ganiZe them without delay.