Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-07-28
Stauntot, Spfftator.
WEDNESDAY, JULY %. 1885.
THE FARMERS CONGRESS-.

Upon the hypothesis that the smallest
interests are the most entitled to the watch |
full care of government, has been the theory |
and practical result of legislation in our
country. From agriculture is derived
eight-tenths of our export-trade, and in its
peaceful and often-oppressed pursuits half
of the men and youths of the land are en-
gagged. Other industries and avocations,
specializing and schemes for individual gain
under the guige of corporations, reap rich
benefits from legislation, both State and
National, but the great sustaining interest
of the country, agriculture, is made to oc-
cupy only secondary relations to all others.
The reason of this is plain enough. 1t is
because the farmer yields to all others the
post of responsibility which he should Of
ten occupy himself. AS long as he is will
ling to be dominated there will be plenty
to occupy that relation to him. He some
times complains when he should not, seeing
the progress of other industries, whilst his
own is standing still. 1t is his privilege,
also, to organize for advancement. and the
example of others should incite him to
proper action.
1t was Senator Vance who said, every
interest in America comes to Washington
to influence legislation except the agricul-
tural" If it is right for other interests
to have their representatives there, the rea-
sons are greater why the producing inter-
ests of the country should be protected in
like manner. To protect mining and man.
ufacturing, to subsidize steamship lines
and provide for the safety of speculations
in many ways are considered legitimate OBJ
jects of government, but never word
about the need of agriculture or the claims
it has to the fostering liberality OF legisla-
ton. 1t is treated as though it were dis
tinct from any consideration which the
progressing interests of the country should
sustain to it, though this is great and
powerful country, because of the extent
and value of its agricultural resources.
The claims which agriculture has to
larger appropriations and its merits to be
recognized in department of the head OF
the Government, are too often set aside by
the reply that the States alone direct this in
terest in its progressive aims; but we are get
ting over these barriers of late, for the
farmers are commencing to organize, and
as their unity is secured and their action
recognized, opposition to leading purposes
will cease. Farmers clubs and industrial
exhibitions are good as far as they go, but
these are merely social and demonstrative
of progress The need is to have around it
the watchful guardianship Of Government
at all times, and then it will, in its future
guidance, be able to perform its part COM
mensurate with the responsibility and in
f1uence it sustains to the independence and
power of the nation. This it will not at
tain to till the farmers of the country de-
clare that it shall be accomplished. When
they plant themselves on that platform, ad-
vocates in scores will come forth to main
tain the issue before the masses and leave
any serious opposition far in the rear.
The Farmers Congress is a national
body of high, patriotic, national feelings
and purposes. 1t is able to design and ex-
ecute. The ratio of membership is the
same as the Senate and House of Rep
resentatives united. The delegates have
been chosen with regard to their fitness to
conduct the movement. which is growing
in favor as the results of each session have
been promulgated. The first meetings were
small, but annually the representation has
increased, till now it embraces all the
States and Territories.
One of the chief measures will be to in
sist that the mere bureau of statistics and
crop reports at Washington shall not be
considered the highest agency which the
agricultural interests are entitled to In the
head of the Government. A full Depart
ment and Cabinet Minister will be more
in consonance and more in recognition Of
natural right, as well as in looking forward
to the progressive interests of a great coun-
try, which rests mainly upon agriculture
for its power.
The Congress assemblies at the capital of
Minnesota in less than thirty days from
this time. A distinguished Virginia farm
er, Col. Robert Beverly, is the President
He enjoys national reputation and influ-
ence in all that pertains to agricultural in
terests, and will do honor to the old State
in the high position to which he has been
called.
The Virginia delegates are earnest, active
farmers; conservative, hopeful, and deeply
imbued with the Importance of their mis-
sion. They recognize the value of all our
Industries, and will not seek to place agri-
culture upon career of prosperity through
any other than the most proper means; and
then, as the associate, and not the rival, of
other industries, as all should combine to
enlarge the growth and perpetuate the uni
ty of the country.
Augusta county has the honor of being
the home of one of the delegates-John W.
Todd-who is sound, level-headed, pro-
gressive man, and will go to accomplish
good work for his section and his country.
There are many questions vitality affect
ing agriculture which, the Congress will
discuss, and in its deliberations will furnish
many practical suggestions to the Legisla-
tors at Washington, which will doubtless
leave solid impressions. These interests
have waited long for full recognition. 1t is
evident that recognition is coming, though
gradually, and it is better that it is 50. 1t
strews many facts along the way of its
progress which will be readily learned and
known, leaving the mind settled in the con-
viction that in the prosperity of agriculture
is the strongest hope of the future
TUCKER RECOMMENDED FOR SOLICITOR
GENERAL.-An effort is being made to in
duce the President to nominate Hon. J.
Randolph Tucker for the Office of Solicitor
General, in the place Of Hon. John Goode,
whose nomination the Senate refused to
confirm. Mr.. Tucker is endorsed and