The Russellville Democrat., 1886-07-21
rhe fsause of 1Iard Times
.respondence Of the Democrat,


 cofrespondence Of the Democrat,
 Please allow me space, once n q great while, for few lines. In my attempt to write l hardly know whether to address my fellow farm CTS as producers or consumers, as you will see. Yet in the common acceptation of tue word the farmer should not be included, but we are the consumers of the produce of other farming or rural districts, and in short they arc the recipients oi the results of our hard labor.
 Now, my farmer friends, l have been raised on farm in Pope coun ty, and my interest and yours is there. This being the fact, let us look after our own interest, as all other men do, and which is right for every man to do. Look to your own interest acting upon principle with all man kind. Now let us talk to- gether and put into practice. the best theories.
 have been granger and B. of F., and 1 consider both have been a failure. Whyf Because of the Jack of concert of action and an eye to the interests of the masses, prompt ed by the proper motive. There could have been good accomplished in either of these orders if we had not forgotten and departed from the truths and principles set forth in our bylaws and constitution, and at one mighty stride attempted to go to the national head of affairs and renovate the whole line ot officials all the way down through the nation, State and county. I am satisfied that we in our might and power sought to seize the reins of government too soon.
 Now, right here, farmer friends, allow me to say that we have been overlooking some very important things relating to our pecuniary in terests. The nearer we begin to our own hearthstones to modify and cor rect mistakes, the quicker we will see good results. I know many of us look around when we have done hard years labor, and see that we have gained but little. And we are too ready to charge some one else with being the recipients of our la Dor, when Tn fact 1t is from our bad management. We think this hard, yes hard! We see that our neigh bor has gained more than we, so that confirms our inconsiderate con clusion. Now, my friends you know we all can't have great fortunes, or at least have never seen anything in sacred or profane history that all men prosper alike, no, not at any age of the world. So It will be just as long as God Tn his wisdom allows human beings to inhabit the earth. Why is it so? Because God has given some men more business talent than others, more foresight, and has endowed them with the great princi- iple of practical economy.
 Now, we come to the point. Let us see if we can expect any success as farmers. Do you know how much you pay annually for flour, meat, corn, oats, meal, and other products that ought to be produced right here instead of belng shipped from Kansas and Missouri. Now listen The following is a correct statement as given me by the merchants of Russellville, and they only gave me the amounts shipped here, what was bought of customers not being in. cluded. This statement only covers sales for period of six months from January lst to June 30. What will it be for twelve months?
 569,000 pounds flour,
 at 3 cents, $l7, ,070.00.
 150,000 pounds of meat,
 at 10 cents, ... 100000.
 900 bushels of meal,
 at 80 cents, ... 720.00
 4,325 bushels of corn,
 at D cents, ... 3,243.75.
 2500 bushels oats,
 at 50 cents, =. 1,250.O0.
 V,otol Qo7 0Qo TX