Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-02-20


factories will also increase the butter
product. The season before anu ai'ei
Cheese season will he used for butter max
ing from cows kept.
TUESDAY EVENING.
Programme announced by he-Pre5ideh,t'
PAPER by Mr. WATSON of HancocN'
Conditions requisite for elevation OF i'r'n-
ing" ,ta;oo ;s
low down in the scale of farming States
Maine cannot compete with the West III
the production of beef and pork. Wool at
less than forty cents is grown at loss
With a heavy tariff on foreign woods we
MIGHT make wool growing profitable.
Our farmers grow but one-eleventh OF our
bread. There are climatic conditions that
have initiated against US. The eastern
farmer ought not to compete with the
cheap products Of the west. or foreign
labor. We cannot vie with this compeu,,
ton. Patent manures are not to be reileu
upon for restoration of lost fertillty.
There is link connecting cause and effect;
The present style of living has conduceG
to our present farming woes foil'icai
vermin have eaten out the substance Oh
the farmers. We ape the style and eX-
panses of those above US too much, ana IL
enhances the disquiet of farm life. Fash
ion has caused us many woes. Its sits
upon us like nightmare.
If the crop is worth no more than the
cost of raising, we are working at loss.
Transportation is extraordinarily high. 1T
eats out the profit of farming. The farm
er's calling is not respected by other class
es enough, or as much as all other callings.
We don't expect to be admired by every
body, and would not if we could. 1t
would be no honor Honor and fame from
no condition RISE" 1t is time caste and
rank should cease in this free land. The
former loses his identity when he becomes
q mere "beast of burden" The farmer
who is low down in the scale OF the social
status is himself considerably to blame.
As a politician, we hope he will never
sink so low that soap and sand will not
scour him clean. Farmers have given too
little attention to their own political inter-
est
Successful farming is the child of good
markets. Monopolies should not absorb
the fruits of industry. Agriculture has
been socially neglected by National and
State legislation.
There are only two farmers in Congress.
Maine wants home market. Our political
economists OF years ago barred out capital
that would have developed our noble
waterpower, and that now deprives us OF
home markets. Legislators, like timld
horse, see a new fright in every new prop
osition. The question Of association is
awaking great interest among the farm
ers to-day. Individuals are weak. assoc
citation strong.
We should make our homes attractive,
teach our children to pursue those indus
trial labors suited TO their capacities and
keep ourselves improving.
Hon. Hannibal Belcher, Member OF the
State Pathological Society. has Il strong
faith in Maine, a strong and abiding faith.
Believes more efforts should be put forth
to develope Maine. Believes in manuiac-
turing in Maine. We must have some
thing to load our ships with when they
leave our beautiful harbors. Spoke Of
English agriculture. Don't believe in the
discouraging views put forth in the paper
just read. We have no farm product that
does not sell to-day for renumerative
price. Drew comparison between the
East and the West. We have good
harbors and plenty OF them. We are in
the wheat growing belt. We might grow
our own bread. We pay out S6,00O,000
for flour, and the same for corn Sl2 ,000,-
600 per year. Every farmer the coming
year should try and raise two acres Of
wheat, try to raise twenty bushels. Farm
ers are uniustly taxed. Farmers, labor
ers and poverty pay the taxes of the State
We can't afford in the State of Maine eX-
cept the very best
Hon. Harris Lewis, President OF New
York State Society, made few remarks.
Urged association. Is glad we contemplate
organizing a State Dairyman's A@socia
ton.
Adjourned.
CONTINUED TOMORROW.