Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1877-02-09
is beyond the reach of any other ma.

is beyond the reach Of any other ma
ton.
But with all these superior advan-
tages, what is our situation to-day;
in what position do we find the Am
erican farmer? Il he the great lead
ing power in the nation? Mol He
is but the stalking horse on whose
back the principal burdens of socie-
ty are placed. Eighty-five per cent.
Of the taxation is drawn from him
outside of the large cities-all class
es vie with each other in fleeing
him. All are anxious to kill the
goose that lays the golden egg, so
that they can grasp all the treasure
at once. If the farmer complains of
burden, he is told by some lawyer
that he must be more economical in
his expenditures. Perhaps the per-
son that volunteers this advice has
all overcoat on his back that cost
more than the farmers whole ward
robe for year; his children are
dressed up more eXtravacantly than
those of an English duke. All the
articles OF clothing are of the most
extravaganza character, while the far.
mer's children run barefooted halt
the year, and their clothing and liv-
ing is Of the coarscst and plainest
material. Yet he is told-he, the
producer OF the nations wealth-he
must be more economical.
Another argument is over produc-
tion-what CANNON. What section
Of the country has an over produc-
ton of tirstclass beet or pork, or
breadstutfs, oils, sugar, cotton, &C.?
Don't the markets of Europe stand
open to purchase all we can spare, at
good prices for those staple produc-
tons? That there is an over produc-
ton Of paupers and public thieves
and all classes of respectable scoun-
drels, all will admit. That we are
in fearful want OF good patriotic
statesmen, is also too true. With
every element Of wealth, we are drift
ing into general bankruptcy and
ruin. With republican form Of
government, we are ground down by
taxation, double that Of any other
civilized people, till every enterprise
in the nation is stultified and the en-
ergetic citizen retires in disgust
from the contest.
There is no class that requires lib
eral encouragement more than the
farmer. His enterprises are always
based on the future. Once destroy
his confidence in the future and he
becomes listless toiler with no mo-
tive to stir him to exertion. Just
look at the financial condition of the
farmers of the West to-day. Over
half of the lands are mortgaged. We
find the people becoming the willing
tributaries OF foreign capitalists, that
scorned to pay tribute of penny
pound on tea to the ruling power
of that period.
But can this state of things be
remedied? Yes. The farmers hold
the remedies in their own hands, but
they have not the manhood and pa
triotism to apply it. Well might the
sentiment of the noble Roman be APP
piled to them: "Bondsmen, know
We not that he who would be free,
himself must strike the blow?" II
the farmers were an ignorant, degra
ded set of dolts, incapable of mana
ging their own concerns, or helping
to legislate for the best interests Of
the nation, there might be some ex-
cuse tor the present situation, but on
the contrary we find that the profess
sions depend on the rural districts
for the best element that 60 to form
this class. There is nothing to en-
courage boy or man of any energy
to remain on the farm. The prizes
are all in other pursuits.
| claim that the interests Of the in
dustrial classes and the working man
should be paramount to all others in
Il republican nation. Our country at
present resembles rich, fertile piece
of ground. capable OF producing
large crops of all that is necessary to
promote mans happiness and COM
fort. But, alas, we look over the
fields and see that the plants on
which we depend to yield us a good
harvest is choked out by growth of
noisome weeds, and the farmers
stand listlessly by, waiting for Prov
ldcnce to come down and destroy the
weeds that are choking ont the crop.
Ii the American farmer possessed
one-half the energy and perseverance
that is found IN all other pursuits in
life his position would be very differ
ent from what it is to-day, but as
long as the party hacks can use him
as tool and a beast of burden to
carry all the loads of society, so long
farming will be at a discount and the
farmer mere cipher in society.
They must be educated, and the best
means within their reach at present
is to hold annual farmers institutes
in every town or village Of the West.
Three or four days can't be passed
with more profit and pleasure than
in holding an institute and discuss
ing all topics of interest that will be
brought forward. Three or four ear
nest, energetic men i'll any communi-
ty can get up an institute. Try it.
There is nothing that will 60 further
to inspire confidence and unite the
| farmers as q class.
There is the place to shape the flu
ture of the American farmer You
will soon learn that there is an ele-
ment of true manhood and talent to
be found amongst the rank and file
of the farmers.
Butter from Beef Suet.