The Grange advance., 1874-05-20

not that they were unwilling to do so from
any principle or prejudice, but no one
Stste was strong enough to show them that
they could offer more certain market 1or
their wares than could be obtained through
their present system Of agencies.
In such cases as these, it is the duty OF
the National to lend it's aid to the State
Oranges, or by itself grapple with the Diff
Guilty. The subject of cooperative stores is
one in which Subordinate Oranges have
manifested much interest, but the want Of
definite information as to the most approved
and successful plan of conducting them has
prevented their general establishment.
am of the opinion that the National Grange
should prepare u careful and elaborate plan
for such stores, using therefor the abund
ant materials which the experience Of the
Rochdale and other societies afford. This
would be hailed with delight by thousands
of Patrons who are now cropping in the
dark.
Transportation of farm products to mar
ket is also an outgrowth Of and properly a
part Of the same question, and part which
has laid firm hold on the consciences Of our
people. In q country Of magnificent dis
tances, the transportation Of heavy farm
products by wagons to market is Of course
out Of the question. Railroads are ne
cessity Of the times and circumstances.
Fully recognizing this, the government has
kindly fostered and literally subsidized
them. The people have heavily taxed them
selves to aid in their construction, expect
ing substantial benefits in return. While
we readily assent to the proposition that
rt i'm.
mensely to the development of the country
and the convenience of the people, still in
our inmost soul we feel deeply wronged at
the return made for the kind and liberal
spirit We have shown them.
Rates Of freight are ofte exorbitantly
high and frequently changed. Often larg-
a long one, thus discriminating against
places; and often higher rates are charged
one individual than another, thus discrimi-
mating against persons. When we plant
crop, we can only guess what it will cost to
send it to market, for we are the slaves Of
those whom we created.
need not here repeat what the discus
sions Of the last two years have developed
concerning the fascalities Of watered stock.
construction companies buying legislators
in State and nation, and Credit Mobilier,
These have been fully ventilated till they
are fully understood.
What shall be the remedy? Here lies
the difficulty, for even in our own ranks
there is Babel Of opinion. Some advocate
new routes East, subsidized by government,
either rail or canal others would have new
roads made by private enterprise and trust
to competition.
The first of these will require many years
before they can afford the relief which we
want now; and besides will surely develop
into other Credit Mobiliers. The second
will only add one more link to the chain
which now binds us hand and foot. l see
no solution Of this question but for Congress
to avail itself Of its constitutional right to
regulate commerce between the States, and
for the States themselves to regulate the
tariffs within their own boundaries. That
this right is vested in the government Of
the State and nation seems wholly clear.
When railroad is to be built the line Of
which crosses my private property, and
do not wish to have this property mutilated,
frankly so inform the railroad. Govern
ment now steps in and very properly says,
"This railroad is for the development Of
the State, and on the ground that the pub
lie good demands its construction, you must
sell them your right Of way, and we will
allow you reasonable compensation there
for" Now, it seems clear to me that the
same government which can take my land
for the public good and fix the price there
for, can say to this railroad, The public
good demands that you carry freights and
persons at reasonable rates, which you
henceforth must do, and we will decide
what those rates shall be-
As we'll as any one, I fully appreciate the
difficulties which lie in the way of tariff
fixed by law-1 can easily see where it may
sometimes work hardship and even actual
wrong. But it is amazing, it seems to me
preposterous, that disinterested men are
not as competent as those interested to fix
rates which shall be just to the railroads
and the people. To rely on competition
for relief will only bring renewed disap-
pointment. Our past history shows that
the rapid increase Of railroads has only re-
suited in more gigantic combinations.