Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-04-25

In response to a number OF inquiries
we give the plan of organization and
the constitution of the Farmers
league:
The Farmers league is non secret,
independent, non partisan organiza-
ton, in harmony with the grange,
kindred associations, agricultural So
cieties, farmers clubs and similar Or
carnations. But the league goes a
step further. Its object is the ial mers'
political welfare. The work of the
league is directed toward securing a
just representation and treatment OF
the agricultural interests in Congress
and in the Legislatures and due re-
cognition of farmers in all public af-
fairs, without conflicting with the best
interests of the entire people. 1t con-
sists of National branch, State
branch, County branches and subor-
dinate branches. The national branch
has general supervision of the affairs
of the league and the work of organi-
zation, and attends to its interests in
Congress. The State branch confines
its work to the State Legislature. The
county branches are in measure in
dependent yet under the supervision
Of the State branch, and attend ex-
clusively to county matters and to af-
fairs in senatorial and representative
districts. The subordinate branches
furnish the delegates who constitute
the county branches and attend to
the farmers interests in local districts
and in each election precinct.
CONSTITUTION-ARTIC I-OFFICERS.
Section l. The officers of a branch
are, president, vice-president, secretary,
treasurer and door keeper, with an
executive committee and such other
officers and committees as may be de-
sirable.
Section 2. Officers are elected in
the national branch once in four years
In the State branch once in two years.
In county and subordinate, annually.
| ARTICLE II-BRANCHES.
Section l. The national branch
will consist, when permanently or
ganized, OF the president and secretary
OF each State branch.
Section 2. The State branch con.
sists of delegates, one from each
county, to be elected by ballot, for two
years by the county branch.
Section 3. County branches con-
sists OF delegates, one from each sub
ordinate branch in the county, elected
annually by ballot. They have full
control of the work in the county, and
regulate the fees and dues of the sub.
ordinate branches.
| ARTICLE III-MEMBERS.
| Section /. Members of branches
must be directly interested in the cul.
tivation of the soil, and may be ad-
mitted by majority vote of the men,
bers present at regular meeting or at
any special meeting called for the
purpose. Members must be legal vo-
ters, women excepted.
Section 2. The initiatory fee OF
membership shall not be less than one
dollar.
Section 3. Each branch may make
such rules as they may deem proper,
not in conflict with this constitution.
Section 4. Every member shall pay
an annual due of two cents to the ma
tional branch and ut least three cents
to the State branch, all other dues to
be regulated by the county branches.
ARTICLE REORGANIZATION AND FEES.
Section l. All charters are issued
by the national branch.
Section 2. Five persons in one To-
cality must first receive certificates of
membership from the National Treas
urer, after which charter may be is
sued without further expense.
Section 3. When five subordinate
branches have been organized in one
county they may organize a county
branch, and on application to the Ma
tiOnal Treasurer and fee OF two
dollars may receive charter for the
same.
Section 4. When county branches
have been organized in three of the
counties in State, they may organize
a State branch and receive a charter
from the national branch without any
fee.
Section 5. The fees for the first five
certificates in a subordinate branch
shall 60 into the treasury of the
county branch when formed. All
other fees remain in the subordinate
branch.
The national branch of the Farmers
league, says the Farm and Fireside,
has been organized and is ready to CO.
operate with farmers in every part of
the Union in the work of local organi-
zation. The officers are George Z.
Powell, Client, N. Y, President; Wal
ter P. White, Putnam, Conn, Treas
urer, and Herbert Myrick, Springfield,
Mass, Secretary.
Reader, if you wish to start a local
or subordinate branch in your neigh
borhood, get five farmers to join to-
gether, and send their names and fees
to the National Secretary, and apply
for a charter.
The constitution and plan OF organ
ization are so plain and simple that
no explanation seems necessary, but
any particulars desired can be OBJ
tanned by application, with stamp,
from the Secretary.
This organization is political but