Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-06-26
FARMERS AND POLITICS.
In an article entitled "What about the
Changers 2" the Maine Farmer says:

In an article entitled "What about the
Changers 2" the Maine Farmer says:
In regard to tho formation of political
party made mp purely of farmers, we must
say we are wholly opposed to il. We don't
believe IN 1t, we don't Believe It is called for,
we don't believe such party would succeed.
We do believe politics should be kept out of
farming, and farmers should keep out of the
business of politics. We believe
farmers untitled TO do tho work necessary to
maintain the organization of political par
ties, and believe they should not seek posi-
lions of this kind. Work of this nature can
better be done by those of less brains and
less moral power. The disagrceable work
which is now necessary to be performed in
order to Keep parties active aud well disci-
plined, IS of kind which farmers generally,
wo imagine, have little taste for, and which
we are quite sure they would not succeed mt.
And what motive is there to form II farmers
political party il the party is to be defeated
or overthrown in its efforts mt reformp
We are pleased to notice that our cotem-
porary does not say that the grangcrs are
political organization, or that they are being
used for political purposes to any extent, as
is charged, frequently, by anti-grange papers.
On the whole, the Maine Farmer seems to
us to be sound in the article referred to, and
the statement that political party made up
purely of farmers is not called for and
would not succeed we heartily concur in, but
we do not know of any one who wants such
party, and do not think there is any like.
lihood of one being formed. The farmers 10
this country are coming to the belief that
they have a right to have voice in the gov
eminent, and that they do themselves an in
justice If they do not exercise that right.
They propose to come forward and do their
part in the selection of public officers and
have their share in the control OF public
affairs, on an equal footing with other cit
liens, and no more.
But we believe it to be the duty of farm
ers, and one which they are going to per-
form, not only to stake an interest in and
be we'll informed upon all measures of local
and general legislation, to read the political
papers, on both sides, and then act and vote
and talk as they believe, without being
whipped into the traces by any aspiring pol
itician," as stated in the article referred to-,
but we would have them 60 little further.
We would like to see them go so far as to
come out in force to the political caucuses
and primary meetings, and watch their in-
terests there. And ifa few ambitious but un-
principled professional politicians manage to
run the caucuses and conventions 50 as to se-
cure nominations for themselves then let
there be reform party inauguratcd, as has
been in some of the Western states, in which
not only the farmers but all the Industrial
classes, are represented, and it will DO no
harm if a farmer or other workingman re-
ceives the Office. The importance and pow.
er Of political parties is waning, and each
day brings US nearer to the time when a
dozen men cannot meet in convention and
decide for whom all the voters Of a party in
a county, district, or state, shall cast their
votes, with the certainty of the election of
their candidates. Boiling and scratching of
tickets, when unworthy men get their names
thereon, is in order, and looked upon with
favor not only by grangers, but by all friends
of true reform.
The concluding paragraph of the Maine
Farmers article is so full of truth and prac.
teal common sense that we quote it entire
The organization of farmers for their own
improvement, protection and elevation is
another matter; it is ono to which we give
our hearty approval, TO which we arc will
ling to pledge our strength, and one upon
which, il seems to us, there cannot be two
opinions. For this object we have repeated
Iy spoken, IN furtherance OF it we have done
some work. Farmers have not, in nj
the past, associated together rs much as
they should have done; they have acted
independently and personally, and have
failed of success in many desirable projects
simply from want of union and organization.
We believe the associated action and elfotts
of farmers through farmers clubs and SIM
liar organizations has accomplished much
good; that farmers have taken q higher so
ci'd and moral stand in consequence OF it
and that by such organizations theyl can dc
u deal of good in the future-for much re
mains to be done. Aud these clubs and rs
sOciations shall continue to receive our oar
nest approval, and our hearty efforts fol
their success. They have been the means
OF awakening IN interest IN tho farmer
calling, and of promoting greater intelli
gence among farmeTs-and this after all !,
what is most wanted. When all farmers
become really intelligent, in the highest ac-
eeptation OF the term, when they become
thinkers, and when they move together &C
cording to that limo of action which the.
deem of greatest interest to themselves
then will their power be felt, and withou
making any attempt at establishing farm
ers' party they will have taken parties int
their own hands, and carried their owl
points. The order of patrons of Husband
ry" may accomplish this--but it is yet toe
early TO say whether it will or no--of ono
thing, however, we are sure; the social or
CARNATIONS among farmers for their owl
good, for their own mutual protection anC
mental and social improvement will, with
out cost or great flourish, work firm ant
steady and abiding reform in tho characte
and standing and influence of the farmer
individually and publicly This done, an
al la