The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-09-21
MAINE FARMERS ARE SMART MEN.
Col. Brigham says They Have 20 be
to Earn a Living.
Gov. Robie Advocates Cooperation
to Secure Proper Profits.
A Successful Grange Meeting by the
Side of Lake Sebago.
Especial to the Press.l

of the series OF grange meetings which eX-
Governor Robie and Colonel Brigham Of
Ohio, Master of the National Grange, Pat
rons of HusbaIdry, have been addressing
throughout the State, was held here today.
Although the somewhat threatening aspect
of the weather doubtless kept many who
otherwise might have attended away, there
was gathering of $50 or more from Stand
ish. Gorham, Sebago, Baldwin, Cornish.
Harrison, Bridgton, Waterford, and a dele
cation from far-off Naples. The morning
was spent in social pleasures and conyersa-
tion. After the picnic dinner was eaten, the
company gathered in the large dining hall.
The New Gloucester Cornet Band, which
was in attendance, rendered selection,
after which Worthy Master Robie called the
meeting to order and began his address.
Governor Robie's Address.
It is. he said, commonly said that farm
ing does not pay; that the profits OF the
business of agriculture are very much lower
than those of manufacturing and mercantile
enterprises; that farmers are oDnged TO
economic very strictly in order to secure
the necessities of life for themselves and
their families. Why is this true? for it is
true. Is it not pertinent question for the
farmers to ask? Should not our capital ana
gainful pursuits. If not, why? Are not the
productions of the farm as necessary, as
valuable, to the whUle people everywhere, as
the products of the factory? Should not
that which all agree is the most important
for the nations prosperity, pay as large
profits as all other dependant yocatlons.
Carefully arranged figures show that this is
not the case. The yearly experience Of our
farmers when they make up up the cash ac-
count with the farm does not have any sat
icfo holI bqVnO6 frugal lIVall-
hood. have read the agricultural papers,
but have failed to find a practical remedy.
have carefully listened to agricultural dis
cussions in and out of the Grange, and still
the great burdens on the farm are not re-
moved. There are few considerations
which are deserving of attention. The first
great burden on the farm is the low price OF
agricultural productions. We raise more
than we can sell proftably. The supply is
greater than the demand. Several OF the
former productions of Maine farms, as
wheat, coru and beef. are imported into our
State at less price than the cost of pr0duc-
tion in consequence of the high price OF la
Dor and the cost of the fertilizers. A few
days ago l asked not oyer intelligent farm
er why potatoes were SO cheap. ID ne STUDIED
because they are plenty" The answer was
perfect and the same reason is applicable To
farms and their value. 1t is cheap wheat,
oats, potatoes, meats, butter, eggs and
cleeSe sldb nave u6pIeCldtcU tuO PiOAto VI
the farm and the value of lands, and it is
thequanity of produce which has caused this
wide spread discomfort. Farmers must raise
the schedule of prices of farm productions,
either by leSsening the quantity OF crops, or
through such proper regulations and restrlc-
tions of sale as will give them higher prices,
and then give to them and their overtaxed
wives and families an equal share. OF those
intellectual and social pleasures which other
pursuits enjoy. There is no question OF
more Importance for success to all business
pursuits than a correct knowledge and
appreciation of supply and demand. 1t is
one of the questions that our farmers should
study and proper and intelligent applica-
tion would be larger profits for the farm
Gov. Robie then detailed briefly the pill
grimage which he and Col. Brigham have
made among the grangers OF the State They
have addressed between 1900 ana 2O,0O0
people at "a meetings all of which, except
that at Augusta were well attended.
storm at that place interfered. Turning to
those present who were not members OF the
Grange he stated that the order In Maine
included II subordinate oranges with ABOUT
1000 members. He said that he hoped soon
er, power for good, and what the Grange at
its present state has accomplished for the
benefit of the farmers will be increased many
times as the grangers increase. IL is no
false statement that agriculture is declining
in Maine, and it should be the duty OF the
grangers to induce the legislature to inquire
into the cause of the decline. 1t has al
ready been done in New Hampshire. where
the loss of farmers has opened the peoples
eyes But to be Of any use, the farmers
must be organized Some old-fashioned
farmers do not believe in the oranges, but
do. Ihave been with them for 10 years and
have seen them do great deal OF good. The
Patrons of Husbandry have been power
i'm national affairs. To their efforts the. in
terstate commerce bill, the 0leomargarine
bill, the agricultural experiment station act,
and the law raising the Commissioner Of Ag-
riculture to place in the Presidents cabinet
are due. The time has come for the farmers
of Maine to understand the benefits derived
from organization. The Grange wants the
intelligent farmers and then it will be
great.power for good.
Then referring to Colonel Brigham the ex-
Governor said he had brought a good big
man whom they could all see, to talk TO
them, and as Mr.. Blaine once said OF
him, "Boys and girls you'll have to look up
to him."