St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-03-19
ST. PAUL NEWS.
FARMERS CONCLAVE.
The AgricuIturists Of the
Northwest in Council
Yesterday.
Their Protest Against Railroad
Discrimination Against
Their Products.
Gov. Hubbard's Welcome-Appoint-
ment of Committees and Elec-
ton of Officers.
An Evening Session Devoted to g Discussion
of Various Grievances.
The Convention to be Continued To-Day
and Tomorrow.

Promptly at 10 O'Clock yesterday morning,
the farmers met in the hall Of the house
of representatives, in the capl-
tol, for the purpose of considering
what steps could be taken by them
to aid in securing their rights against rail
roads, elevators and wheat buyers. The at
tendance was very good, and the delibera-
tons were calm and systematic.
CALLED TO ORDER.
The convention was called to order by a.
M. Burdick, of Clay county, who asked DR..
Collins of Grand Forks, D. T. to read the call
for the meeting which he did by giving in a
very formal and declaration of Independence
day style the following, known as the
BURDICK RESOLUTIONS ON CALL.
WHEREAS, 1t is patent to all intelligent
people that there are gross and unbearable
evils and abuses connected with the elevator
and grain warehouse systems of the state of
Minnesota. We specify, charge and indict
them as follows:
That they defraud the farmer in the grad
ing of his wheat; that they defraud him in
weights taken for cleaning his wheat; that
they defraud him in amounts charged for
shrinkage and waste; that the charges for
storage and handling are, in many cases, ex-
cessive and unjust; that the elevator and
warehouse systems are so operated and man
ipulated as to make them monopolies and
specialists, driving away and declaring from
their doors all individual and private buyers,
and all competitive enterprises; and,
WHEREAS, 1t is evident that many rail-
road corporations in the state make unjust
and injurious determinations in favor of the
elevator and warehouse monopolies, as
against the farmer and producer and private
enterprises. We specify, charge and indict
them as follows:
That they make unjust and in furious dis
examinations in favor of the corporate mo-
nopolies in that they allow rebates and draw
backs to said monopolies, while they are re-
fused to the farmers and private shippers.
That they debar the farmer of his rights as
citizen, in refusing him cars on track in
which to ship his grain.
That they are unjust and oppressive to the
farmer in that they refuse him the privilege
of erecting small elevators and shipping
warehouses at points on their lines where
elevators already exist.
That the freight charges to the farmer and
individual shippers are exhorbtent and OPP
prcssive beyond reason, on many railroads
in the state.
That they are hand in hand with the ele-
vator and warehouse rings and mOnopolis to
debar and shut out from the farmer and pro-
Queer, a free, open and untrammeled mar
ket And, whereas, these evils and abuses
as set forth in the above preambles, are too
onerous, unjust and oppressive to be longer
endured; therefore
ReSOlUed. That we do most earnestly pro-
test against and condemn said evils and
,I,,, TI,o+,, ,,D4a froy,,
efforts and labors until we obtain full and
complete justice. Until the farmer and the
citizen, however humble and lowly his sta
ton, shall enjoy his full and complete rights.
Until no citizen is debarred of any right or
privilege enjoyed by any other citizen, class
or corporation.
Resol1ed That it is the sense of this con-
vention that their only hopes of redress is
through legislation. That to secure such
legislation as shall restore the rights of the
farmer and the citizen, and to check the en-
croachments of railroad, elevator and ware
house rings and monopolies. it is necessary
to secure harmonious and united action
throughout the entire state.
ReS0l0ed That in order to secure such
united action we deem it advisable to issue
the following call:
That we respectfully recommend to the
farmers of each county in the state of Min
nesota that they call county conventions
and elect or appoint three or more delegates
TO meet in st. Paul on the 18th, 10th and Goth
days of March, 1884.
That such delegates shall compose a farm
er's state convention, the objects of which
shall be to consult together npon the best
means for securing united action in the COM
lag fall elections.
hot -ai in itn he Inv nd
cooperation of all citiz9ns of whatsoever
calling or profession who would maintain
personal liberty, and the rights of the citizens
as against rings and monopolies, railroad
elevator and warehouses eXtortion and dis
elimination.
C]Resol0ed, That we respectfully request the
publication of these preambles and resolu-
lions in the county papers, in the st. Paul
GLOBE, st. Paul Pioneer Press and in all pub
LEGATIONS throughout the state, which would
defend the rights and privileges of the citi-
Zens.
CHAIRMAN SELECTED.
At the conclusion of the reading of the
call, Mr.. Matson, of Breckenridge, nomin-
ated Senator P. II. Rahilly, as chairman and
although that gentleman declined saying
that he was not delegate to the convention
position.
REMARKS OF MIR. RAHILLY.
In taking his position as chairman Senator
Rahilly stated that though he was not del
egate, he was heartily in accord with the
movement that at present occupied the at
tention of the farmers and which has called
them together He referred to the recon-
mendations made by the governor to the last
legislature that that body should take suita-
bic action in the matter of the grievances of
the farmers but as the legislature failed to
act in regard to it he was very glad indeed to
see the people themselves take up the matter
in their individual capacity and act for them
selves.
SECRETARY ELECTED.
Mr.. Geo. W. Taylor, of Becker county, was
then elected secretary.
COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS.
A motion was read to appoint committee
on credentials consisting of nine persons.
An amendment was made to appoint COM
mittee of five, but this was withdrawn.
Mr.. A. NJ. Bendick declared that the con-
vention was not going to be run by old party
hacks. If any such were here they would
have to take back seat. Finally the motion
for committee on credentials was with
drawn, and it was decided that the secretary
should call the list of counties for the pur-
pose of ascertaining how many delegates
were here, which he proceeded to do. The re-
suit showed that there were nineteen counties
in Minnesota, represented by sixty-nine
members.
Mr.. Loring, from Clay county, made
motion that every county in the state of Min
nesota and the territory of Dakota be recog-
nized as delegates and be invited to partici-
pate in the deliberations of the convention,
and the same was adopted without much
question.