Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-04-03
The Enrmers, Lea.me.

This is the age OF cooperation pf the in
dustrial classes. Indeed'so nearN univer-
sal is it for mechanics, manufacturers,
| miners and other manua laborers to com-
bine for mutual benefit and protection
that il has come to be almost a necessity
for the success of the individual in any
industry to belong to an organization that
aims specially to promote the prosperity
of the calling or business OF the given
class of workers. 1t is thus that the pow
or OF all is brought to bear upon every
point OF interest to each and so they have
manifold more influence on results than
individuals acting separately. The guilds
Of toilers have found out their power and
are moving in solid columns upon what
ever enemies oppose them. Slowly but
surely, the largest class Of all hand work
ers. the farmers are falling in line and
moving TO the front in the great indus
trial conflicts of the nations and races.
Farmers may seem 20 move slowly, COM
bination with them Is comparatively re-
cent, but when once aroused as Just now
they evidently are. they moVe with tre-
mendous energy and momentum into po-
sition and action. They have learned
something OF associated effort in tine ARM
ers' clubs and agricultural associations,
but. within a very few years, they have or
ganized more thoroughly, become more
aggressive in their aims and efforts and
more generally united than ever before.
The FARMERS League is a non-pattisan,
open organization having for its objects
the political, social, educational and tinan-
cial welfare Of farmers and their families.
This organization is made up of a national,
state, county and town leagues. The
league originated in Massachusetts where
il nov mas about $1,000 members. 1t also
has nearly that number in Connecticut
In New York nearly every town and coun-
-. - afraaHyH arunnfynl and There * AZ
mem bership of over 100000 in that state.
The other eastern n New England states
are rapidly organizing. In Massachusetts,
the league is fighting for "honest butter
against the oleomargarine fraud. In New
York the main object at present is to Sc
cure legislation to equalize taxation. II is
claimed that billions of dollars worth of
personal property of wealthy citizens OF
New York escapes taxation under exist
ing laws and wages, hat farmers are pay
ing from three to six-fold more taxes on
the same property in value now than they
were thirty years ago, that a Just system
OF taxation woulo reduce the taxes OF
farmers two-thirds, or, in other words,
they would pay but one-third of what
they now pay was all property equally
taxed. So the farmers are in league to
obtain their rights under n in accord
ance with law. The league is no third po-
litical party. 1t works through existing
parties to secure just and equal rights for
farmers. The special objects may differ
in different states at different times but
the one general purpose to secure the vel
fare of farmers and promote the general
welfare unites and inspires the whole or
ganization. The first town league in Yer
mont was organized in %Irasburg on the
10th inst, the second was organized in
this town on the 17th inst. with IA charter
members and a good prospect of large ae-
c~essions of members in the neal future.
Ladies are admitted to full membership
without initiation fee. The league has
come TO stay until its mission IS accom-
plished. GEO. p. BEARD.