Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1884-09-20
w. R. Shaver's Address Before the
Farmers Association of Smith
County.
Smith County Record.

Association OF OmlCn county, 10 near
and consider the various reports of our
committees on what we have accom-
plished to interchange ideas, and to
consider what we can do to further adj
vance and protect our agricultural in
terest. 1t would certainly be grand
day for this country if cur association
could so stimulate, encourage, and
arouse every farmer within her bor>
ders to such sense of their duty and
interest to themselves and their chill
dren, that they would not fail to be
present on all such occasions as this,
and strive to the utmost of their ability
to foster and encourage her chief In
terest. But the presence of so many
active and intelligent men of this class
here today is indeed encouraging. 1t
is evidently sign of better times. 1t
shows that you feel a pride and an
earnest interest in your humble, but
all-important occupation.
If we now had the time and the Ian
guage at our command to suitably ex-
press our views, we would not be apt
to say too much on a subject which is
of such vital Importance as this. Both
sacred and profane history teach us
that in all ages of the world agriculture
has been the most useful and impor-
tant occupationef every civilized and
christianized people throughout the in.
habited globe. And it is now as it has
ever been, wholly indispensable to the
lives and happiness of all people. II
has always been the great national in
dustry of America. And it is today
the true basis of all prosperity, and the
foundation of both national and indi.
vidual wealth. Therefore, it is the most
important of all pursuits. Then is il
not evident to every thinking mind
that the tillers of the soil could, by or
ganization and cooperation, become
the most powerful and independent O.
all classes. For, in numerical strength
we make more than one-half the popu
lation of this great country. And by
our toll we produce more than one-hal
the wealth of this great nation, and We
pay more than one>half the taxes which
are necessary to pay the expenses o
this great government.
Now is it not strange when we taxi
into consideration the superior humble
and usefulness of our class, that we at
tract such little attention, command
such little respect, and our demand
and actual necessities are so often neg
lected by the law-making powers
Let me give you one noted instanc
among the many. 1t is this: We hav
asked and insisted on being respecte,
and protected against adverse and in
furious legislation, by making the chic
of our Agricultural Bureau Cabine
officer. But, so far, all our efforts hav
been in vain. Now l have this to say
we should not be discouraged; but W
should continue to urge this just an
reasonable request, and if it is not 500
granted, would be in favor of the az
ricultural people of the nation, irrt
spective of party, arising up in thei
might and power, and at the ballot>bo
make Congress, and, if necessary,
President too, who would be willing
give one Of our humble calling ses
in the councils of the nation,
1t is not my purpose to undertake
mention all our grievance, for they al
many and various. / have said tn
much to show that we are entitled
the highest consideration and respect
all men, in authority or otherwise; an
to convince you that we have the poV
er to obtain all our just rights ever.
where that taxes are levied or Law
made for the government of the peOpl
if we will only organize and co,opera
together, as men Of all other occup
tions and professions have done. "
should have our State, County, ar
District farmers organizations, not on
for protection against rings, sharks, al
the monopolist, and all unjust and I'M
rious legislation, but we should ha'
them, also, for the purpose of advan
inc orr agricultural interest to hig