The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1881-01-08
mitted that farmers have never before at

tempted to combine for the protection OF
their interests, except in isolated cases.
There is little doubt but that State Legs
latures-with exceptional cases-and even
the Congress ofthe Nation would grant all
the lust demands of the agriculturists II
proDerly made. But when did farmers ever
70 before the law-making bodies OF the
Iand and ask for redress of grievances!
when committee of the National Grange
in 1873 waited on the President OF the
United States he said to them,in substance,
Bankers. Merchants, Railroad Agents, and
CONSERVATIVES of other professions had at
different times called on him to further the
interests of their respective calllngs-but
that this was the first time that farmers had
manifested any interest IN their calling.
When in Washington City twelve months
ago | approached one of our congressman
in regard to the wants of agriculture. Said
he "What do the Farmers want? We are
anxious to do anything that will advance
their interests-for upon their prosperity
depends the prosperity ofthe Nation itself. p"
| have no doubt of this Representatives
sincerity. He is an indefatigabe worker
for other interests, and why? simply be-
cause they make their wants known by pc
titicn. and otherwise. He has done nothing
for agriculture-and why? simply because
farmers have not indicated that they have
any wants The brave defender and aole
advocate of farmers rights in the Lower
House of Congress said before the Nation
al Grange that Members of Congress often
came to him TO ask what farmers wanted,
saving they were willing to do anything for
them. Will not facts bear out the assertion
that Legislative bodies, as rule. are will
ing to grant all just demands? For exam
ple-The onlv organized and persistent
effort in my recollection, made by the far
mers of this State, to accomplish anything
through the Legislature, was made by this
| State Grange to have the money arising
| from the sale Of lands donated by Congress
for the purpose of building an Agricultural
and Mechanical College-applied to the
purpose for which it was intended. This
| effort was crowned with success-as the
| splendid college buildings erected at Stark
| Vile will attest.
Then let us bear in mind that the pres
eut unsatisfactory condition of agriculture
| is due TO our non action, and let us determ-
| inc that heueefofth we will keep abreast
with other professions, and set our claims
! prominently before the public. To do this
we must be informed-and no better means
! for this can be adopted than the discussions
| in our Subordinate Oranges. But to the
questions promised TO be suggested for dls7
CuSsiOn.
| THE PROTECTION LAWS
which bears so heavily, and unjustly upon
our interests should be understood by
every farmer. Their hard earnings to the
amount Of hundreds Of millions of do:la' S
are demanded each year by these laws TO
make the rich richer and the poor poorer.
| TAXATION.
Farmers own about half the property OF
State and pay about 75 per cent. OF the
taxes. Their property being in sight is
assessed-while the greater portion OF the
other property escape assessment aud tax
alton. When the farmers, who constitute
about eight tenths of the voting population
of the State become thoroughly informed
upon the injustice OF the present mode OF
asse< sment and taxation, they will demand
relief in a voice that cannot be mistaken.
THE AGRICULTURAL LIEN LAW
has deprived land of IFS value by transfer
ing it to the muscle of the laborer. 1t has
/ enslaved our labor to capital. 1t has placed
q premium upon dishonesty. Through its
operation our property is being contiscated,
and the labor driven from the State.
Let the inqiuitv of this law be discussed
until it is fully understood in all its bear
ings upon the prosperity of the State, and
| | am satisfied that sentiment will be Gre
ated that will wipe it from our statute
books The influence which sustains 1t IS
very powerful, and it will require much
agitation and a strong effort on the part of
the laboring and producing classes to have
It repealed.
THE HOME STEAD LAWS
are intended to protect the women and
| children of the State. but fail to accomplish
| that end Men in an emergency will give
a mortgage upon the homestead, and as a
rule can obtain the signature of their wives
| To secure the end proposed, the law should
| be 50 amended that mortgage or deed in
| trust upon the homestead would be invalid.
! This is the law in many States ofthe Union
and dispassionate and patriotic view
| of the matter will convince any one of its
| correctness.
| THE WORTHY LECTURER OF THE MA
TIONAL GRANGE
was instructed at the recent meeting of that
| Body to send 20 Subordinate Oranges
questions, subjects for discusson-with a
| view to directing the attention of the mem
bership throughout the entire Union in the
same channel OF though that too at
| the same time.
1t is thought that much good will result
! from this action, if carried out properly.
| Members Will become COnversant with the
same subiects--a more national and fra
| ternal feeling will be engendered, and our
| combin alton will strengthened by the in
formation gained. 1t will be gratifying and
| encouraging to each member to know that
| the same subject is to be discussed on or
about the same day-by every Subordinate
| Grange in America.
/ suggest that Subordinate Oranges be
! impre sed with the importance and neces-
sity of carrying out this recommendation
of the National Grange.
A STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE,
Eighty out of every hundred of the in
| habitants of Mississippi are connected with
agriculture. We have 100000 of acres
| of land. Out of this amount twenty years
ago were cultivated about S,OOo,O 900, now
| there are cultivated only about 100000
showing a decrease of 100000; and our
products have fallen off in about the same
| proportion Farms are deteriroating in
value, and large ma ority are under mort
| gage. Farming is not remunerative, and
| the result is, our young men are seeking
| other employment and a maj ority of the
! old men are restless and dissatisfied and
/ would move to other localities if circum-
| stances would permit. This is an abnor-
| nal condton-for with the rich soil, and
| healthy climate which we possess, ouL
| agriculturists ought 20 be prosperous and
! cOntented There is a reason why they
! are not-and a wise craftsmanship would
! investigate the cause, and seek the remedy.
| In the old civilizations of Europe the gov