New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-08-04

measures nor do believe other farmers do. But
do think our interests have been neglected
Of late years by all LeglsatpTes ana need attn
and the wealth has been accumulated from the
soil, but farmers not equally prosperous with
other branches of industry in the country. We
are depressed, financially crippled, and n most
serious outlook il is for us for live Years ahead
In the first conception Of our Government the
rights of all people provided for with equal
justice TO all classes, and this IS the secret OF this
cOuntry's rapid growth in wealth. The rights and
privileges of the farmers have not been protected
and therefore we suffer. j can recall the time
when urinary meetings called by the people
and representatives were carefully selected, and
as long as that was the rule had the best
Government, and all classes prospered But now
the principle has been changed. The representa-
tive seeks the office, and not the olhce the repre-
sentative Here is the difficulty the representatives
have not been chosen by the farmers. The blame
rests largely upon us farmers. We have quietly
STAYED at home attending TO our duties and neg
lected these primary meetings, letting the poll
tciann run them, and this has brought on our
had had representatives at Washington and at
Albany in harmony with our interests that mat
tiers would he as they are to-day? Farmers
should get together and work for their interests
the same as do other classes. We should not stand
longer as partisans. We have stood by our re-
spective parties, and of what benefit has il been
Politicians have come III and ruled. tell the
farmers III my addresses that a good many of us
have either got to give up our farms within the
next five years give up partisan politics; that
they should select their own representatives and
not let the politicians do it for them. also say
10 them Go to the caucus and see that
a man is put up that can trust, be
he Republican or Democrat. | am not
an extremist. | do not believe in putting the
farmers interests ahead of any all others nor
| do | believe in legislation being prOSitutcd 10
| any selfish, special class-intcTest. My aim and
| desire is to see the action of our great agrl-
cultural class put upon high plane of patriotic
| motives as the only one for their own salvation,
as well as the safety of republican institutions.
We farmers have no right 10 complain of taxa
ton when we have done nothing 20 check it.
To reform legislation. we have got to elect clean
and pure men. free from political corruption.
We farmers must come together upon the basis
of the Farmers League. and thus make ii posslb bile
for or best men 10 accept nominations. When
that time comes We shall have better times. ana
not till then.
Mr.. Powell then stated that the books aud
papers of the National League were at Springfield,
Massachusetts, in charge of Herbert Mvrick, the
secretary of the League. II was i'll Springfield
that the National Headquarters of the Farmers
League were. Mr.. Myrick. he said. had drawn
up a plan of work for the League, which stated
succncty its objects and pecnliariies of organl2a-
ton. This plan of work was as follows
The Farmers League is a non secret independent
AIijance Wheel. Farmers UnIon Graner and kindred
associations agricultural societies. farmers clubs ana
fnrtber is object is the farmers political welfare.
The work of the league is directed toward securing a
Interests in Congress and in the Legislatures. and due
RECOGNITION Of farmers in all public affair without
II consist, Of National League and Of state leagleS
with county and town leagues where desired. The
National League has general supervision OF the AFFAIRS
OF the Farmers Leagnc The work Of organization,
and attends specially to its interests In C0ngNss Inc
State leagues soon as organized push me WORK OF
organization in their respective states and attend 10
the farmers special interests I'm the Legislature Tie
county league attends 10 the farmers Interests IN
county matters and 10 affairs in senatorial and Repre-
sentative districts The town leagues furnish the
delegates who constitute the county leagues and at
tend to the farmers interests in local districts and IN
each election precinct Town and county leagues
may be organized where desired but u Is n2t con- 9
membership in tho Farmers League-stae and Ma,
tOnal-h hut the formation Of town and county leagues
Is recommended especially where no other organize
| tion exists.