Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1874-03-16

ers to hold their products, or to put them
in better shape for market In some
States and sections, Oranges pack their
own pork, make their own cheese. store
and ship their own grain, and manage
banks. In many places, the fact that
they are able to do such things causes
the manufacturers, middle-men, and
bankers to grant the farmers un-accus-
toned favors. In short, under the gen
ial influences of these connected associa-
lions of farmers, agriculture is every
where becoming inspired with feelings
of independence. And, from being the
mudsill of society, as in the days OF
slavery and feudalism, it may yet be-
come the coping stone.
The open clubs have done, and are
still doing, very much in the realm of
politics, yet the friends of corruption
and official NAL practice have to be taught
many lesson before agriculture is treat
ed with that respect which it is due.
Great governors and statesmen must
yet learn that there are other interests
in the country which deserve represen-
tation in Legislative halls besides those
of the banker and money-lender. As
pIrants for office must be taught that
other qualifications are necessary to pro-
cure elections than heavy pockets or
full demijohns. They must learn that
all men are equal before the people, wis
dom, talents, and virtue making the on
ly difference.
There is an ancient story of Cincin-
natus, farmer of four acres, being call
ed to the helm of State, to save from
ruin the mighty empire of Rome. This
legend has its counterpart at this time
in our own country. Beset, on one hand
by greed for wealth and official corrup-
ton, and on the other, by disorganizing
communism, there appears no safety for
American liberty except through the
agency of the sons of agriculture. In
telllgent and brave, they will not sur
render their posterity to political or f.
nancial tyranny. Isolated in property
and person, they must ever set their
faces like steel against all advances
toward anarchy, or physical revolution.
No class can be held in heavier bonds
to keep the peace than are the propri-
etors of the middling class farms of
America. To change laws and consti-
tutions American farmers can permit no
agencies except agitation, discussion
and voting. With us these means are
sacred, and we cali allow no successful
appeal from the decision of the ballot
box.
Since the commencement of the farm:
ers movement in the West, many reforms
have been preached. The repeal of the
national banking law seems to be the
most needed and the most simple. And
the demand for it ought to be universal
and Imperative. Surely no argument
Is needed to prove the injustice of law
which causes the government to loan to
few select rich men four hundred mil
lions of dollars without interest, with
which to gamble and speculate on the
hard earnings of q tax-ridden people.
So great are the evils of this national
banking system, that it has we'll nigh
ruined both the tax payers and the
spectators, while the cooler financial
heads among the favored bankers, are
reaping such harvest of interest as
will make them very rich, and truly
formidable to liberty.
Let us fairly understand the theory
and practice of redemption. When
exchange greenbacks for gold on equal
terms of agreement, dollar for dolla,
every man says the paper has been re-
deemed. Now gold is only commodity
among nations. So is wheat: so /,
pork; SO are horses Then when buy
wheat. pork or horses in open, fire.,
market, and pay for these commoditie,
IN legal tender paper, my money ha
been redeemed. 1t has been redeemed
IN commodities which are better THAI
; gold, for had the gold [ should hav
given it for them. Is not this illustra
ton sufficiently plain /? Is not that mon
ey sufficiently redeemed, which is dali,
: and hourly redeemed in all parts of tn
: country, by all its inhabitants, whenev
e er presented? Is not that money bette
which is eagerly redeemed by all men
: on all occasions, aud with every con
> celvable commodity, than is the none
d which is enslaved to single commodit,
l. as a basis, and which can only be re
= deemed at those times and places, AM
on such terms as the bankers an
: money lenders choose to dictate.
S This financial question Is both into,
e esting and important. The friends @
y reform must not let it rest.
Il l next call your attention to the ques
: ton of taxation. Taxes are of two sort,
y direct and indirect. Direct taxes ar
IS levied by States and local authcritie,
IL and are assessed and collected directl
n from individuals. Men in bushes,
who buy and sell commodities. alway
II add direct taxes to the cost price of tbei