The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-06-25
The Farm.
Organization of Farmers.

an address on the above named subject,
before the Farmers Convention at Jack
son, Tenn, recently, from which the
following abstracts are made. His re.
marks should engage the thoughtful at.
tention of every farmer.
It is said at the Agricultural Cong.
ress 10 Louisville that. "The greatest
obstacle to the permanent and efficient
organization of farmers exists in their
Ignorance" It is clear that the absence
Of we'll defined aims, uufamiliarity with
the methods Of organized bodies, and an
Indifference scarcely reprehensible un-
der the circumstances, are grave diff
culties which, however, only intens-
fies the obligation that rests upon lead
ing and influential farmers of each
county 10 organize, with no matter how
small beginning, and persevere until
all are properly educated for the work
in which all have the most profound and
lasting interest
THE MONEY QUESTION.
There is another cause for the decline
in State organizations that is difficult to
remedy, perhaps, and will remain so un-
til more thorough organization becomes
possible, and juster estimate of its
worth quiclens appreciation. Perhaps
it does not speak we'll for the pride. the
enterprise, the intelligence of farmers,
to say that no State organization has
very long survived the payment of ex-
penses of delegates out of Individual
pockets. The history of these associa-
lions abundantly attests that they have
triumphed in the end, while history at.
tests the further fact, that all organiza-
lions with paid delegations, have been
most prominent and useful. A State
organization should be composed of the
representatives of subordinate associa-
tions, which ought to be organized in
every county. A few determined, en-.
ergetic, intelligent men are sufficient to
initiate them, and the interest at stake
ought to furnish the strongest incentive.
Each county association should make
the office Of delegate one of honor and
distinction, thereward Of merit, and pay
the necessary incidental expenses; which
will require sum utterly insignificant
in comparison with the benefits that
ought to result. Such representation
would excite wholesome competition,
and ought to command the best talent
of the country. Why do I urge this
course? Because we thoroughly realize
the need of organized effort, and it
would certainly be wise to eliminate, in
our future efforts to secure it, the errors
and defeats that have caused failures in
the past. Or, shall we, with inexcus.
able sapineness, succumb as heretofore
to difficulties that should only have
tested our strength, and our manhood.
Bond-holding, banking, manufacturing,
railroad, merchants exchanges, boards
of trade, trades unions, etc., bear to
these several interests that same rela.
ton that organization of farmers ought
to the agricultural. They are essential
to the interests they subserve, are. in
fact. part of the stock in trade, and
command all the intelligence, labor, and
money, that is necessary for success.
STRENGTH IN UNION.
We may boast, however, of the prog
ress, no matter when it comes, which
has demonstrated our superior aptitude
for every branch of rural husbandry.
We may boast of those who have achiev-
ed for themselves, even on the farm,
honorable and enviable distinction by
their wise forethought and intelligence,
and are on the way to higher progress.
Yet there are too many who ought to be
efficient and willing factors in the work
of ripest development, who are still fol-
lowing in the footsteps of their fathers.
Too often isolation, ignorance and stag
nation, offer formidable and discourag-
ing obstacles, and progress is too much
like the blind horse in his treadmill
round, onward from the sheer necessity
of moving, and only then with patient
labor and toll. Our united strength
alone will command the respectful con-
sideration of our law makers.
COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS.
let the first step of the farmer be to
resolutely and wisely organize in every
county in the State. To assert the i'm
portance of so doing is to emphasize the
necessity for the employment of every
means that will give them industrial