The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1890-02-12
what's the Matter with the
En- RIM erSIS5

1 am led to ask the above question by what 1
see. hear. and read every day in these closing
Are they at last shaking off the. lsthnrgy of
years? Do they at last realize that e He who by
the plow would thrive must either hold himself
plow shares not made of steel or iron, which
must be guided by the masters hand? Ifso. then
The mig Int 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
columns. The army of agriculturists will hence
forth cnltivate-among other felds-the field of
politics. Not by the formation of farmers
composed of nearly one half the citizen SOW
ereigns of this great Republic.
If agricultural interests or agriculturists are
ignored. neglected in the future by any polit
ical party.we shall want 10 know the reason why.
The farmers have been csjoled and relegated to
the rear too long; and their interests have suf
fered too much to admit OF any more of the stale
and threadbare "taffy !" which has been ladled
out to us~lo these many years. by the average
" e 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 Representative Government,
and that the interest not represented is sure to
get left" Hence we shall ask. not n'onopoly
OF the law-maklng power, but falr share OF rep,
resenta inn in future legislative bodies. We shall
ask that in the appointment of men to positions
of homo nd trust that farmers be not forgotten.
does not want. We shall ask the control of
Boards having in charge institutions devoted ex
/
In making these demands shall not compro
mise the dignity of American citizenship, but
only ask for ourselves what we are willing to ac-
cord to others
Patrons, FORWARD GUIDE RIGHT, is the order
for the year. In this forward movement our
veteran organization the Patrons of Husbapdry.
must be 'ound in the ont rank Not wasting
is energies in fighting imaginary foes. nor in the
ivain effort to change the laws Of trade and COM
merce established after years of experience; nor
foolish warfare upon legitimate business and
reasonable profits; but by correcting abuses which
have crept into business life in various ways, and
which unnecessarily burden be producing classes.
I'VE must have an honest share for wife and
! home of what the harvest yields" Corporations.
Syndicates. Trusts and vast accumulations in the
hands of individuals must be so hemmed in and
surrounded by wise and just legislation. properly
| enforced. that the rights and interests of all
classes shall be secure.
Farmers. in this righteous crusade we want
your help. No other farmers organization can
perience in organized methods emake ex-
travagant promises. Our methods are not start
shall co operate with all who by legitimate means
are seeking to secure to honest labor fair re
ward But we make DO entangling alliances
which may lead to future disaster We do not
| offer you miraculous or unusual power; but we
do show you how to make your power available
for the protection of your interests.
ton. we'll drilled in the work which MUST BE
DONE. if farmers are to remain owners OF their
citizens. We are armed and equipped for the
peoples battle. Marching orders have been is
sued. Ihe noise OF the CONNECT between Wealtn
producers and those who by ways that are dark, %
are absorbing the millions that should go to bless
and brighten our homes will soon be heard on
| every hand. We shall put every available man
| into active service.
And now we want SEQ OCO new recruits-brave
men and women-from the farms of our country,
who are willing to help us in the effort to secure
only what is ours by right"
Shall our appeal be in vain? I trust not. A
subordinate Grange should be organized in every
township; a Pomona Grange in every county.
and then with extended lines. with high, hopes,
and brave hearts, we shall wage successful war
fare against some of the crying evils of the day.
And our victories will be blessings to every home
and legitimate industry of the land.
Write to the Master or the Secretary of your
| State Grange for instructions how to organize a
Grange. If you do not know their address, write
to J. III. BRIGHAM.
| Delta. Ohio,
| Master of the National Grange.