Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-01-30
National Grange, Patrons OF Husban
dry-Office OF Master.

whats the matter with the farm
ers?n
am led to ask the above question,
by what / see, hear and read every day
in these closing hours of 1889.
Are they at last shaking off the leth-
argy of years? Do they at last, realize
that "He, who by the plow would
thrive, must either hold, himself, or
drive?'' Have they learned that there
are plow-shares not made of steel or
iron, which must be guided by the mas
ter's hand? If so, then at last "Day
dawns" for the farmer.
The night has been very dark, and
the way hard to find; but there is yet
hope. The farmers are moving-not in
individual strength-but in solid col
umns. The army of agriculturists will
henceforth cultivate among other
fields-the field of politics. Not by the
formation of farmers party, distinct
from the ether classes, but as body
composed of nearly one-half the citizen
sovereigns of this great Republic.
If agricultural interests or agricultur-
lists are ignored, or neglected in the fu-
ture by any political party, we shall
want to know the reason why. The
farmers have been cajoled and relegat-
ed to the rear too long; and their inter-
ests have suffered too much, to admit
of any more of the stale and threadbare
"taffy" which has been ladled out to us,
10, these many years, by the average
politician.
We have heard of the "Independent
life of the farmer" that he is the "bone
and sinew Of the land" until we are
tired. Very tired. We have learned
that this is a Representative Govern
ment, and that the interest not repre-
sented, is sure to get left" Hence we
shall ask, not a monopoly of the law
making power, but a fair share of rep
resentation in future legislative bodies.
We shall ask that in the appointment
of men to positions of honor and trust,
the farmers be not forgotten-or simply
thrown "sop," which the place hunt
er does not want. We shall ask the con-
troll of boards having in charge institu-
tions devoted exclusively to agricult-
ural interests.
In making these demands we shall
not compromise the dignity of Ameri-
can citizenship, but only ask for our
selves what we are willing to accord to
others.
Patrons, "Forward, Guide Right" is
the order for the year. In this forward
movement our veteran organization,
the Patrons of Husbandry must be
found in the front rank. Not wasting
Its energies in fighting imaginary foes
nor in the vain effort to change the
laws of trade and commerce, establish.
ed after years of experience; nor foolish
warfare unpon legitimate business and
reasonable profits; but by correcting
abuses which have crept into busines:
life in the various ways, and which un-
necessarily burden the producing class
es.
1--WE must have an honest share fo
wife, and home, of what the harves
yields" Corporations, Syndicates
Trusts, and vast accumulations In the
hands of individuals must be so hemm
ed in and surrounded by wise and jus
: legislation, properly enforced, that tn,
rights and interests of all classes shall
. be secure.
Farmers, in this righteous crusade W,
want your help. No other farmers or
ganization can offer you the advantag,
of twenty years. experience in organ
. lied methods. We make no extrava
CANT promises. Our methods are no
startling or revolutionary in their char
l acter. We shall cooperate with al
who by legitimate means are seeking t,
> secure to honest labor q fair reward
{ But we make no entangling alliance
which may lead to future disaster. W.
, do not offer you miraculous or unusua
power; but we do show you how t
make your power available for the pro
lection of your interests.
We have great National Farmers
4 organization, we'll drilled in the wor
t which must be done, if farmers are t
d remain owners of their homes, and b
0 worthy of the name of American cit
r zens. We are armed and equipped fo
a the peoples battle. Marching order
been issued. The noise of the confli(
|, between wealth producers, and thos
who by "ways that are dark" are al
sorbing the millions that should 60 {
bless and brighten our homes, will 500
be heard on every hand. We shall pr
q every available man into active servic,
!, And now we want $1,000 new r,
d cruits-brave men and wOmen-frol
n farms ofour country, who are willing
s help us in the effort to secure only wins
8 is "ours by right"
L. Shall our appeal be in vain? trus
! not. A subordinate Grange should /
organized in every township; Pomon
! Grange in every county, and then wit
s extended lines, with high hopes, an
q with brave hearts, we shall wage su,
L cessfull warfare against some of til
crying evils of the day. And our vict'
ries will be blessings to every home an
of legitimate industry of the lard.
I'd Write to the Master or the Secretal
~ of your State Grange for instruction
8, how to organize a Grange. Ifyou d
vs. not know their address, write to
J. H. BRIGHAM,
lr Delta, Ohio,
If Master of the National Grange.
lie Delta, Ohio, Dec. "a, 1889.