The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1880-03-06
COOPERATION.
BY II. ESHBAUGH, MASTER OF THE MIS-
SOURI, STATE GRANGE.


BY H. ESHBAUGH, MASTER OF THE MIS-
SOURI, STATE GRANGE.
Having spoken in the preceding num-
bers, of the importance and methods of
cooperation in the educational work of
the Grange, also in regard to the purchas-
ing of our supplies, and the manner of
disposing of our surplus products, which
we presume has been considered by mem
bers and Oranges, 1 now desire to call
your attention to the loss sustained by non-
cooperation. s.-.f ,..--..
The amount of money necessarily paid
by the farmer in the State of Missouri for
farm Implements amounts upon a very
low estimate to over one million dollars
annually. If retail dealers, travelling
agents, ETC., make only fifteen per cent. on
sales, then $4,000 could be saved annu-
ally by buying through the Grange agen-
cy. But instead of fifteen per cent. they
frequently cost in purchasing through re-
tail dealers from twenty-five to forty per
cent. so that through the retail trade it
averages at least twenty five per cent,
over and above the wholesale Grange
rates. Then the amount that might have
been saved to the farmers is $25o,o 900, on
implements alone in single year. Hence
the amount annually paid by the farmers
in Missouri to support retail dealers, trav-
cling agents, drummers ETC., would be
equal to D, 1000 good merchantable hogs
at ten dollars each, or 10000 steers at
twenty-five dollars each, or 1900 good
horses or mules at eighty-four dollars
each, or say 1000 mules at $50, $4,000;
1000 horses at SIS, $4,000; 1900 steers
at S35, $4,000; $500 hogs at $40, $25, 900
These sums put together will make the
amount that might be saved annually to
the farmers in the State by cooperating in
purchasing their farm implements through
their own agency.
Is not this amount worth saving? And
why was it not saved? These are ques-
tions worthy of consideration by every
member, and by every Grange, and when
carefully considered, you will find the so.
luton to be, simple neglect ir practical
cooperation. e,--- .-..,- +
Your Executive committee is chosen by
your own representatives, elected by you
as your delegates to the State Grange;
they are your officers, your servants, and
are amenable to you, and in duty bound
by the strong ties of our mutual associa-
ton, as we'll as by the most solemn obi
cations to labor for the best interest, the
general welfare and mutual benefit of all.
They have made arrangements aud pro-
vided the way for you to cooperate great
ly to your pecuniary advantage. And
while thousands have improved the op-
portunity greatly to their advantage, there
are also thousands who have not Various
causes have contributed to non-co-oper-
ation, and hindered members from profit
| ing by the business arrangements that
| a1x
and simple in its work.
! But the greatest hindering cause to sue
cess, and especially to the financial advan-
tages was the opposing elements brought
] to bear by the enemy of oul organization.
! And as soon..as it was discovered that the
order of Patrons of ,Husbandry was edu-
eating its members to greater usefulness
as farmers and as citizens, and that they
/ were learning to understand the general
rules of trade and the laws and methods
of business, and were attempting to profit
by the advancement made, many dealers,
agents, drummers and schemers, realiz-
ing that the success of the Grange, espe-
cially its business arm, would greatly di-
minish the large per cent. and profits
Heretofore gathered in by them with such
!: ease, they soon became active in their
work, opposing each and every effort
calculated to benefit you In some in
stances reports that were as ungentle-
manly and as unreasonable as they were
untruthful, were put in circulation and
earnestly advocated against yout interest
) your organization, your officers, commit
!, tees, agents, and not even exempting your
selves. And too many were thus infu
enced, and allowed themselves be led into
! error by those who have no sympathy fol
your organization, nor interest in yot
other than to extract large profits from
your labor. More confidence was placed
in your oppressors than was given te
: your friends who were equally interested
: with you and whose interests are identi
cal with yours, and who were boune
! with you as brothers and sisters by tn,
/ strong tie of fraternal relation. In few
instances even members who professed t,
have great love for our order, have be
f come outspoken in behalf of our wors
$ opponents to crafty selfish purposes am
f ambition. aff4
0 All this has been wrong, and has don
: more to hinder your progress than all 9th
c er causes combined. 1t is now, as it lon
since should have been, passing rapid