Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-11
THE FARMERS CONGRESS.
COUNTY COMMISSIONER M'KEE AP-
POINTED A DELEGATE.

Granger Interests and Grievances 10 be Dis.
cussed-Mr. Mckee Opposed TO Agrar-
ianjsm-Effect of the Original Package
Decision on Oleomnrgariur.
County Commissioner George Y. Mckee
has been appointed delegate to the Ma
tional Farmers Congress, at Council Bluffs,
Ia, which convenes on the 26th inst, and
will remain in session several days in COM
mittee of the whole on the state of farmers
interests, grievances, etc. From the text of
the programme it would apper that the
grangers intend to have a good time, as
there is abundant space on the list for music
and other etceteras.
Mr.. Mckee states that the first intima-
tion he had that he had anything to do with
the movement he got in letter from the
Secretary, B. F. Clayton, announcing his
appointment by the Governor. As Mr..
Mckee did not say what Governor, the i'm
preston gained was that the appointment
was made by Governor Beaver. W. R,
Errett, Esq, however, states that the official
meant is an officer in that capacity in the
Farmers Alliance, and not State official.
Mr.. Mckee expresses himself favorably
toward the movement, provided it run not
into agrarianism, for which he finds no room
in his system. Nor is he en- rapport with
many graugers' views on the subject of the
exclusion OF oleomargarine from Pennsyl-
vania markets. and for which they proudly
take credit in securing the passage of pro-
hibitory law. He says oleomargarine has
never been known to be an unhealthy food,
and, if sold on its merits, has as much right
on the market as any other article of food.
The Council Bluffs convention will dis
cuss railway freights, tariffs, Interstate
commerce and politics, especially the latter,
and its proceedings will form instructive
reading to all, especially farmers, as the
latter will find it a foundation widener.
The Grange, while quite active in the
northern and central portions of this State,
is comatose in this county, or nearly so.
There is still some latent heat in the organi-
cation, however, hereabouts, and it seems
there has been some talk of resurrection in
North Fayette and Robinson townships,
where once Grange councils cast lam
bient flame fer the enlightenment
of>bucolic intellect. 1t is evident that they
never got very deeply into the science of
government, as the practical politician still
finds those townships good cleaning ground.
Of late they have taken their platforms out
for examination, and possibly for future
use. They find considerable dry rot in
some of the planks, and these will be re-
moved to make room for sound timber.
As an instance of the futility of the anti
oleomargarine law, it may be stated that
one person in this city is making $50 day
selling oleo, and the original package de-
cision by the United States Supreme Court
is hurting that dealer rather than doing him
good, as it is killing the retail trade. This
dealer wouldn't give baubee to sell oleo on
its merits, consequently had rather have it
remain under the ban of the Farmers AL
lance, and masquerade as Creamy" at 25
to 80 cents a pound. Were it stamped
"oleo," and sold as required by the original
package decision, there would be but a
legitimate profit in it. and this dealers
profits would be 50 so instead of $50 day.