The patron of husbandry., 1879-08-09
COOPERATION.

souri, STATE GRANGE.
Cooperation being one of the essentials
so absolutely necessary to the success in
the organization of the Patrons of Hus-
bandry, we have bestowed much thought
upon the subject SO as to become more
and more familiar with all the details en-
braced IN the term, cooperation, so that
we might the better understand the va
rious methods to be employed to make
success certain, and tomore fally under
stand the different instrumentalites that
contribute to failures and reverses. We
have spared no pains in trying to learn
what real cooperation was, what prelim-
mary steps were necessary before it should
be commenced, how conducted and car
ried on, in order to make it a success. We
have closely studied the causes that have
contributed to success and failures in va
rious cooperative efforts, tried at differ
ent times in different sections of the State,
and under different circumstances and
surroundings, and are fully convinced
that the following rules must be strictly
understood and closely observed IN every
cooperative effort, in order to make it
success; and when not understood, nor OBJ
served, will most certainly cause serious
hindrances, that will prove very detri-
mental, or result in entire failures:
First of all, we must fully understand
that corporations positively means, that
in order to accomplish desirable results
we must unite and cooperate together foi
the same results. Whatever that object
may be, whether for the advancement of
the social, educational or financial interest,
or for the relief of unjust burdens, or the
adJ dJustment of errors, no one person, nor
any small number can accomplish the OBJ
ject in view, but it requires the united, the
combined, the cooperative effort of the
many. How important then, that mem
bers should fully understand the funda-
mental rule of true cooperation; for it is
the very basis, the foundation, upon which
rests this great Organization of the farm
ers, and just as long as this fact is not
fully understood, just SO long will disap-
pointments and failures occur Hence,
the great importance of educating every
member to fully understand the proper
methods, and the great necessity of CO.
operation in all things This is, indeed,
the first step, and all important step, that
must be well understood before we are
ready to commence cooperation. When
members are properly educated, and un
derstand the methods of cooperation,
then are they prepared for the second step,
which, in an effort at cooperative buy
ing and selling, is to select an agent or
manager. This is OF much greater impor-
tance than many may suppose. 1t will
not do to employ an individual simply
because he is clever and obliging; these
are necessary qualifications, they alone are
not sufficient to secure success; nor to Sc.
lect one simply because he Tor his friends J
desire the position,-for nine times out of
ten the individual who is so desirous for
a position of any kind is the least compe-
tent to fill it, and as general rule makes
a failure, and either wrecks the enterprise
or disgraces the position, if placed in
charge. 1t is, indeed, very important to
secure for manager the right man for
this important position, and to do this,
| find, if possible, man that is obliging
| and of some business capacity, one that
will not work for self only, but for the
| mutual advantage of all interested, and
who cooperate with him, and one whose
honesty is beyond doubt, whose integri-
cannot be questioned. - s1
The third rule is also Of great impor-
tance, and that is the where with to do
business; and it should be understood
| that there is but one correct way of doing
business, and that is strictly on the cash
system, "pay as you go" buy and sell for
cash, do nothing on credit basis, sub
scribe for no more stock than you can pay
for in cash at the time. This rule should
be strictly observed in all cooperative
efforts; whether as an association doing
business, or in purchasing and selling
through regular agents, let your motto be
cash in selling and buying; cash system
will save you large amounts every time
while credit system is simply extrava-
CANT, SO much SO that you cannot afford
to indulge it, even if does seem to meet
your convenience best, We will illus.
] trate the fact by giving case that came