Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1892-12-23
LEGISLATIVE sorIoN AND FARMING In
TERESTS.

az thc ANNUAL uneetlIR vi tIldJ dSSOcldtiOu.
The address makes reference to the de-
pressed condition of Vermont agricul-
ture, and after stating. without enum-
Grafton, that variety of causes have
contributed to this result, quotes res
olution of the grange, adopted a year
ago, as follows:
Resolved. That the State grange pc.
tition the legislature at its next biennial
session for an appropriation establish.
ing labor bureau, and instruct It's legis.
lative committee to use its utmost en-.
deavors to secure the passage of the
same.
The speaker proceeds to say that
"whatever may have been the causes
for unoccupied farms In the past, it is
unquestionably true that one of the
at the present time is owing to the diff
ficulties which farmers experience in
obtaining the farm help they need, and
it seems to me that labor bureau would
not only be of great value to farmers in
that direction, but that under State SUI
pervision such bureau would also
serve as check against the influx of a
most undesirable element of foreign la
Dor, which should be excluded from our
State"
1t seems that, pursuant to the resolu-
ton above quoted, bill for the estab-
lishment of bureau of labor and in
dustrial interests was introduced at the
recent session of the legislature and its
passage was urged by petitions from To-
cal oranges in all parts of the State. 1t,
however, failed to pass. Presumably
the same parties will renew the attempt
at the next session of the legislature.
The subject is of Importance not only as
related directly to the leading interest of
the State, but also in its relation to fund
amental principles of governmental pol
icy.
This proposal is marked departure
from the original theory and practice of
the fathers. Whether changed condi-
tions require or justify such an exercise
of paternalism in question which should
be candidly and thoroughly discussed
by the press of State, and so brought
to the deliberate attention of the whole
people before legislative action is in
voked.
1t is easy to multiply bureaus. They
have rapidly increased at Washington of
late, until it may almost be said that the
government is bureaucratic. And yet
there is a demand for others. Every
new bureau adds a new ring of office
increased taxation and a fresh
corps of political mendicants and mani
pulatOrs. The immense interests of this
great country are grouped. The forces
which vitalize them are centripetal. The
is to consolidation and COM
binatiOn. Labor combines, railroads
manufacturers combine, i'm
pOrters combine, farmers combine. Each
interest demands bureau. Each inter-
est is an important constituent of the
whole body polite. The motive of self
interest is common to all, and each is
clamorous for relief in some form by
special legislation.
The author of the address referred to
seems to put his demand for "bureau
of labor and industry" upon the idea
that somehow such a bureau can control
the supply of farm laborers and exclude
individual immigrants. He fails to
state how either of these results could
be effected.
1t has been said that the wages of farm
laborers are edisproportionate to the profits
of farming IN this State. But the regu-
lation of wages by bureau is impossible.
Nor can bureau import labor save by
1idden by law. But it may be said that
such bureau may in some way encour-
lge desirable immigrants to come here
or employment. So can any voluntary
association of farmers whenever they
nay think such course desirable.
But the address says the bureau can
NhCSh tnC VI q must
clement of foreign labor" How? To
his no answer is given. Perhaps the
master of the grange can tell us. If |
here is any way by which the legisla-
ure of Vermont. or any creature of its
reation can relieve us of such ''infiux",
ct us know what 1t Is and every voice
nd vote in the legislature and in the
'tate will be in favor of its speedy adop-
ion.
The demand for the bureau in question
ONES from an association of responsible
itizens which represents to some extent
he dominant industry of the State. Be
ore, however, legislative action is pre-
ipitated, the causes of the present ag-
icultural depression, the remedy pro-
'osed and the methods of its application
hould all be distinctly stated.
Mr.. Messer admits that some of these
auses are beyond our control aud there
hnx tAH