Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-13
Politics and the Farmers In Virginia.
TFor fhe Dispatch1

From present appearances there are
satisfactory reasons for expecting graft
fying increase of the Democratic vote IN
virginia this fall as compared with that of
the last congressional election. But from
present appearances, too, there Is some
ground for apprehension that there may
be serious disturbance and discord in the
party at no distant day, unless great care
be taken by the best men with
the big agricultural interests be-
hind them. to guard and guide the
great farmers movement. so that 1t
may not bring about its own dis
comfture and at the same time clear the
way for the imperial Republicans to bring
their wooden horse into Troy. For years
! have been earnestly observing the unfa-
vorable conditions into which the farmer
has been unfairly forced; and Ihaye coun-
seled organization. cooperation and reso-
lutte attitude Of intelligent defensivenesss
rs a remedy for his wrongs and safeguard
for his rights. Ii is cheering to see that at
last there Is a widespread, systematic, and
harmonious movement on the part OF the
farmers TO protect themselves from unjust
ness. to promote their own interests, TO Sc
cure their own equitable share of the pro-
fits of the products of their own land and
labor.
As vet there is no good reason for be-
lieving otherwise than that the great move
ment can and Will be found effective in
achieving the ends contemplated by all
the well-regulated minds engaged III II
only with a view to the good of the
good cause of agriculture. There are
some indications, however, that under
the leadership of men of too ardent
temper, the farmers may make the
not uncommon mistake of going both too
fast and too far-a suicidal course, GER
ta1nly, especially IN advance Of that gen.
eral If not universal appreciation OF the
merits of the movement which must neces-
sarilv ensue rs an intelligent and dispas-
sionate consideration of the great question
in all its bearings Is forced upon the minds
of mon of all classes and callings, who are
as dependent upon agriculture rs agricul-
ture is upon them. Let the power OF the
farmer show itself. not in impulse. but IN
reason. not IN spasmodic demonstration
but in consistent and steady work,
not in over-reaching efforts Of ill-adyised
aggression. but in an intelligent demand
OF practicable means through legitimate
measures: not in rushing like mad noun
tain torrent or tidal wave. to leave desc
lation behind it as a monument only OF its
strength and ITS wrath, but in swelling rs
the calm sea swells in the majesty OF its
might TO all shores. The farmer must
make no war upon the men of other voca-
tions. All that Is needed is for him to
secure his own rights without trenching
upon the rights of other people.
The farmer must demand and command
Justice and fair dealing nothing more,
nothing less. Under the guidance of true
wisdom this great movement OF the farm
ers cannot but be productive of immeasu-
rable good. Under the guidance of intem-
perate counsels il NAV fall back upon 1t
self. leaving the farmer like the rider Of a
rearing horse that has tumbled over on
linn. SALTWATER DEMoCRAT.