The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1891-01-21
THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION.


Lancaster county. The speaker said he be-
leved it practical 10 dispense with all inside
fences. There are so many diversified legal
opinions in regard TO outside fences that
will not undertake to speak on that side of
the question. Il requires almost constant
labor and expense to keep up so many
fences The fences on my fathers farm cost
him not less than 500 per year aud at the
expiration of forty years had cost him, with
interesl, about $4,000 all for fences which
which We're Of no earthly use, except to keep
cattle confined for few months each sum-
mer. | have had my eyes opened to the
fence folly of my father. 1t might be adj
visable to erect fence around permanent
pasture, but nowhere else. Four-fifths of
all division fences can be dispensed with !
would not erect q panel Of fence on land
only meant TO grow field crops. Have your
permanent pasture close TO the barn and
feed your cattle cornstalks cut up, ears and
all | found by experiment that it will in
crease the milk produce. | believe that if
COWS were kept in the barn the manure
they would annually produce will more
than pay for the extra trouble and all of the
fences. Land in Lancaster county is worth
from $4,000 10 S2250o per acre, and we lind
il advisable TO do without fences and |
should think it would be far more advisable
in Somerset county, where land is so much
cheaper.
" Farmers Organizations was the title of
paper read by Peter Miller, of Somerset
township. Farmers should organize because
organized effort can always gain its point
All other classes have organizations, not ex-
cepting ministers of the gospel, and why,
then, should not farmers organize for mu-
tsal protection? The prosperity of the ma
ton depends upon the labors of the farmer,
who makes up 81 per cent. Of the total pop.
ulation. Even though he is in the majority,
he is made to suffer from unequal taxation
TO such sln extent that it is impossible for
him 10 make two per cent. on the invest
ment in his land. Taxation without repre-
seniat}on is an old cry, but there is too
much truth in il. The farmers need more
representation in State and National legisla.
lion, and this can Only be accomplished
thr, ugh organization we must learn 10 fire
in volume. Farmers must elect men to
office who are in sympathy with their
efforts. The speaker could not understand
why some mea can accumulate vast fortunes
while others remain poor; endorsed the free
coinage of silver bill, and the bill authoriz-
ing the government to loan money on real
estate. Farmers organizations, he said,
should be made up Of men engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits. Others who find their
way into our ranks should be regarded with
suspicion. Self interest should be placed
higher than party ties We must clear the
atmosphere Of both political parties
Solo by Miss Shaffer.
Inresponse 70 a query, Secretary Edge said
that the tax levy, so near as could be ascer-
tanned. in Pennsylvania is 81 mills on the
value Of farms. Borough property is taxed
higher, and city property higher than bor-
ough.
Reforms needed in road making and
road legislation was assigned to J. R.
Boose, Of lockwood, on the program, but
that gentleman being absent the subject was
taken up for general discussion at once.
Mr.. Hay thinks a radical reform is needed
in both branches. Wemake great mistake
in the men we elect Supervisors. My theory
IS that country road should not be worked
more than l6 feet wide, instead of 81, as is
usually done. Taxes should be paid in cash,
but reduced by State appropriation.
Mr. Terry said that land alongside ma
cadamized road is of more value than land
that is not There is more or less complaint
about taxes in sections of Ohio where they
have macadamized roads. but none of the
farmers would be willing to give them up.
IL farmers could only go around and see the
benefits that wonld follow good roads they
would not fight them.
Mr. Edge cautioned the farmers to 90 very
slow in recommending changes TO the pres
ent road law. There is nothing in the pres
ent law to prevent supervisors from macad-
amizing roads. win the people of this coun-
ty agree TO authorize the authorities to levy
ten mills road tax If they are not, they
cannot be too cautions. In my county,
Chester, the roads are let to the lowest and
best bidder, and in that way farmer can
take mile. or a section and have the whole