Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1875-01-15
BRATTLEBoRoi
FRIDAY EVENING, JAN. is, 1875.
WESTMINSTER farmers CLUB.

WESTMINSTER farmers CLUB.
Jan. LIST.
SubIect-Are farmers as class keeping
pace with men in other oocupationsf
II. A. Willard.-This question seems to
call for a farmer, one who is familiar with
all the avenues of his art one who Is In the
harness and knows and understands all
the means necessary to the end obtained.
As an observer and one intimately con-
nected with his interests, l shall take the
Affirmative Of the question. AS a proof
that the affirmative answer is true, we need
only 10 compare the standard OF farmers,
ms a whole, their progress, their accom-
plishments aud their available means, 10
continued success, with those represented
by other occupations. Through the appli-
cation of farm machinery he hai been lift-
ed, comparatively, to a level with the pro-
fessional man. With all the improved i'm
plements for the farm, it becomes him to
work his brain into the soil; il Is one of the
best fertilizers that was ever applied. His
efforts in that direction have been happily
remuncrated as his home, his farm his po-
sition In society. his influence in public ar-
fairs, clearly affirm. The large number Of
farmers that are taking honorable part In
our legislative business, leads us 10 believe
that we arc oulstrippiug men in almost any
other occupation in the land,
p. d. Keyes. II has been said and the
same is generally well understood, that for
a number of years past 1t has been bard
times for the farmer, yet am not aware
that he has failed to keep up with the times.
They my not have prospered financially
as some men have. yet more men have
failed in other occupations lin proportion
to numhers,) than in ours. The success of
the farmer IL the success of the cUmmuni-
~ In which he lives. II Is the vital inter-
est OF every community that every farmer
should prosper. The principle Of demand
and supply seem 10 promise that he shall
be fairly renunerated.
N. G. Pierce.-Ir what has been said In
true, then am agreeably SURPRISED, for as
a class we have mourned and regretted the
depressed condition of our circu m stances.
II has been said that we are outstripping
men in other occupations, but am of the
opinion that If we outstrip them in any
thing II is in our willingness and ability to
strip of our coats a. & to work. de-
sire 10 ask few question Dies Mr.. " IL
lard think that We rs ISs are fully up?
Il il a fact we are AS We'll educated as 9th
err classes OF men taken together3 That we
are occupying as commendable positions
In society, and exercising an equal infiu-
ence in the social circle? Are we able to
send as able representsti, es TO Congress,
or TO our legislative halls1 Arc we so
trained aud informed that we can go out
among the business and enterprising peo-
pie of New England and express our
selves in capable manner? Are we ex-
ercising fair share Of public influence In
proportion TO our numbersf
Willard.-I don't think a mans success
is measured by his political influence.
don't believe 1t consists in piling up mon
ey for succeeding generations TO squander.
do not believe there is any other occupa-
ton of the world that furnishes as favora-
bio opportunities for educating a child to
meet the demands that await worthy and
honorable citizen as the farmers. do not
think 1t has been because they were not
fitted, but because they have not given the
lime and attention, that they have not
welded their share of public influence, If
they have not. 1 believe there are as capa-
BILE men among farmers TO I'LL Offices of
public trust, as can be found in any OF the
occupations-men of good judgment and
foresight.
Perce.-I agree with Mr.. willard in re-
gard to the position farmers ought 10 take,
but / have yet to see that farmers have not
that itching for Office that other men have.
I'm nv N Elr in
ability to take advantage Of the opportuni-
ties afforded. Morally 1 think they are
above the average. Many farmers have
educated their children 10 the credit Of
themselves and the honor of the commun-
ity, yet very few have ever returned to the
farm. Are we equal in present acquired
abiltiesf
w. p. Gage.-Iam not certain that I have
an opinion upon this subject, though have
been reminded that the purposes Of men
call them to higher standards or life. II
we take education for a standard by which
TO judge the relative position OF men, far
ners are behind. When we look at the
Judgment OF men In our legislative halls
nd in Congress. We find farmers guile
equal, and If honesty was taken as stand
jud9men; TO manage public rs well az per
sonal affairs In this, believe the farmers
are not behind. lie may not be as thor
ough mechanic as those giving their at
tcDtlon In that direction, but that does not
detract from his general ability. The farmer
Is first, the mechanic second. The profess
sioual nIan processes 10 be their servant,
but the tendency l. to become master aud
to control the people. Theoretically we
are government Of the people; practical
~ we are & 'verned by a few, and those
few not always men Noted for their hon.
csty, their worth or their ability.
Geo. Sabln.-l do not wish 10 talk dis
Paragingly upon this question yet II we
are not up TO the times. let rs look the fact
In the face. Men In other occupations are
living In luxury and ease and most Of
them, at the same time, improving their
relative positions. Farmers are working
and economizng 10 save their daily bread
aud Notwithstanding their efforts are go.
ing down hill. Within very short time
800 farms have been deserted In Windham
county and many more are likely 10 he.
If farming Is paying business, why this
Every other occupation Ia full and certain
ly, financially, we are not keeping pace
with our neighbors. Our plans do moi
compare favorably with those forwarded
In other occupations. They liz prices 10
pay, and prices at which to sell. The far
mer appears to exercise no influence what.
ever in the variation OF those prices. They
inform themselves, they combine, they