Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-01-29

sue, having nothing but n limited, local in
fiuence. the only order that could Justly
claim national significance being the Pat
rons of Husbandly, with it's one million
members. Ignorance of our purposes, and
the prejudice SO easily awakened of late at
any new combination of workingmon, met
us ut every point. Selfish and unjust sys-
TENS of exchange; the vested interests of the
non-producing classes tho "order,n '"pass.
book !" and "credit" systems, which carry
with them an inherent system Of self de-
struction, all these, and many other inlu-
ences combined 10 prevent accessions 10 our
order. A disposition was soon manifested
by some to use the order for securing some
ambitious scheme Of their own, or to bring
prominently into notice some pet theory.
might here name several very prominent in
dividuals of this class, who to-day Chanks to
the vigilance Of our members) stand SILVER
Ing outside Of our councils. Inability rs vet
to thoroughly develop and bring into prac-
tice the best methods of concentration and
cooperation in trade hindcred us. Yet the
haste and confusion is far better than de-
cline aud DEATH MS / hope to make apparent
by now giving you some statistics of the
present condition of the order. The nine
original members paid each ten dollars INTO
the treasury, as fees tfor their membership,
with this sum we commenced promulgating
our work. Although often compelled to re-
plenish our treasury from private sources,
we have printed and distributed about $780,
600 documents Subordinate councils have
been established in twenty-five states; even
rs far west as Olympia, in Washington Ter
ritory, on the Pacific coast, Il council was
last month organized. We have also ten
State councils, with New Jersey, Kansas,
Minnesota, and Wisconsin nearly ready for
theirs. will not anticipate the pleasure we
shall soon have in this convention, in listen
ing to minute reports Of the unequalled pro-
gress and success of these various councils
in nearly all parts of the country, from the
delegates and friends here assembled. Suf-
flee it to say that in New England alone not
less than 10000 persons are receiving di-
rect material benefit daily through the
councils of our order. Not less than 10000
barrels of flour are shipped direct from the
-four mills of Patrons of Husbandry and
others monthly to these New England coun-
ellis. For u more complete statement refer
you to the reports OF the worthy secretary
and treasurer.
1t is tho almost universal sentiment of the
laborers and artisans of this country that
the great tendency of our times is against the
welfare of the class we represent. We find
wealth increasing with wonderful ratio II
the hands of non-producers We find the
power of non-producers increasing out of MI
proportion to their numbers or their rights.
For these reasons we are forced to n consid
GRAFTON of all questions that stand connected
with labor and capital, and their just rela
tionship. In stating our purposes we en-
phatically proclaim that capital and Labor
must be friends. We deny no lust claim o
capital; we only protest against its unjus
demands. We seek the practical and jus
remedy Of more equitable division of tn,
results of the necessary alliance of capita
and labor. Under existing commercial Gus
toms we find that just in proportion to thu
spiallness of mans wants is the increased
cost of supplying them. We demand equity
rs well rs humanity, by giving to the weak
the advantage of associnting together anC
becoming thereby strong, land obtaining sup
plies as cheap rs though they were rich. II
seeking TO accomplish this result We find Al
army OF non-producers-a vast number toe
many "middlemen"-st standing between tn,
manufacturer and producer and the consum
er. To remove large portion of tins un
just. unnecessary taxation, we must have or
ganization. In this effort let us remember
that the order of the Sovereigns of Industry
Is for the whOle country. We know no sex
creed, race, or nationality. We must cher
ish no local jealousies. In this gloriou,
movement we know no north, no south. nc
east nor west. We will work together il
the true spirit Of our preamble. The aggre
CATION and concentration OF capital atthe eN
pense ofindustry is surely tending to the de
struction of popular liberty personal and po
litical integrity. w o the people will protec
capital in all just methods to secure remu-
neration for service rendered. but we will no
protect capital in expressing the people
Our end is simple our plans are simple. ou
determination is fixed. We. the people
propose to unite in the interests of each 9th
er. Let us be wise in choosing the methods
the men, and the time TO accomplish thu
subjects ut which we aim. Our future need
and prospects, under the influence of THU
and kindred organizations, tho intuitivc
honest impulses and designs of the people
will ultimately find n pronounced expression
in the wisdom and experience of their leg
islators. There is in this country to-day
vast social, political, and industrial move
ment, which is steadily carrying the work
ing masses forward to u position of greate
economical power and advantage. Emerson
says "The first duty of society is justice
Whatever principle stands its tests is II SAT,
one, and ought to be adopted" What ON
people need is to be baptized into tho spiri
Of that prayer OF old: "Give me neither
poverty nor riches" Both are enemies t
true progress everywhere. The people be
gin to see that the whole country suffers il
its material interest and sell-respect by TIN
degradation of its official life. "Justce her
self, that sitteth whimpled bout the eyes
doth 1t not because she will take no gold
but Ithat she would not be seen blushini
when she takes it; the balances she hold
are not to weigh the rights Of the cause, bu
the ,0eigM Of Tho bT1be; she will put up her
naked sword, if those offer her n COLDER
scnbbard." A secret society in Boston (cAlI
ed the "Cincinnati'D in the year 1856
gave the following toast; "May the enc
mics of public virtue, public honor, AM
public justice, hold no place in the council
of America"
Apply that rule to-day, and what scatter
ing there would be in Legislative halls. On
of the last sermons | heard was from tn
text-"I put on Righteousness and it clothe'
me, and Justice was my robe and diadem.
Said tho minister. this should be inscribed