The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-12-06

professional 1ackaSSeS.
But, he planted a tree and for every
tree he has planted he has hewn down
home. Yes, he planted tree-a maple
by the roadside-and, for every maple
ne has planted by the road he has plant
ed thorn in the heart of a farmer, and
many will be the curse that is heaped
upon the head of this official monde
script by the farmers of the United
States ere they are able to free them
selves from his unholy influence. After
all, he is but the creature of a higher
authority which is as adverse to our in
teIests as he is.
For the future I trust may be par
doned if L offer some suggestions.t My
greatest desire is to do the best can
| TO promote the interests and welfare of
the farmer. 1 am satisfied that he is
comparatively helpless when laboring
alone to better his condition, hence the
| necessity Of organization is compare
| lively clear to the investigating mind.
At the present time there are many
farmers organizations in the country,
each working independently of any
| other. 1t is very clear to me that to
| accomplish the greatest amount of good
! it would be far better if these organiZa-
| lions could be united in one consolidate
| ed union, which as one grand whole
would WELD a mighty influence in whatN
| ever line IL might choose to act. The
detailed plan of perfecting such
union embraces too broad field for
me to enter here, but 1 sincerely hope
| that the question of a general union
| of all the farm organizations will be
discussed and that steps win be taken
a result it may be necessary to yield
certain theories by all, but that such
course would be preferable TO condi-
tons now existing can hardly doubt"
AmaIgamatiOn Favored.
The address was referred to the COM
mittee on organization, which is under
stood to favor the recommendation for
| amalgamation, and what will be done
by the general assembly when the mo-
| ton to adopt the favorable report of this
| committee comes up before the general
body is yet somewhat uncertain There
has been manifested a stronger opposi-
ton than was anticipated by those who
favor consolidation and which has come
in the nature CT a surprise.
The assembly took a recess at {
o'clock for two hours and upon reas-
sembling the question came up in the
absence of any other business. For two
! hours the important matter was under
discussion. President Robinson de-
| Tended in strong words his position, to
which he has been converted during the
past year from equally vigorous oppo-
sition, and was only seconded by Secre-
| tary Robinson and number of the dele
| gates. A few of the delegates were
as warmly opposed to consolidation,
| they holding that the work of the assO-
citation could be better accomplished by
its preserving its own individuality and
not being merged into a general union.
! The discussion failed to accurately
demonstrate the strength Of the oppO-
sition, but those who uphold the presi-
dent are confident of victory Should
| they prevail. a committee will be ap-
n wit m
| tees from the farmers alliance, the
! granges the patrons of industry, the
| Northern alliance and other farmers or
CARNATIONS of the country. Before
amalgamation can be contaminated,
| however the matter must be submitted
to the subordinate lodges, majority Of
whom must concur
The Resolutions.
The committee on resolutions reported
as follows, the report being adopted:
1--WE hereby reiterate and affirm our
| adherence to the fundamental principles
upon which our organization is founded.
I'VE emphasize the Importance of a
higher education and increased social
and fraternal relations among farmers,
and commend our lodges as valuable
means TO this end.
I'VE unequivocally condemn the utter
ances attributed to Secretary of Agricul-
ture Morton in his speech before the
| worlds fair congress and we feel that
| his offensive references to farmers or
CARNATIONS should be withdrawn"
The committee on rules and unwritten
work reported no change in the consti-
| tuition. The committee on finance re-
| ported the association out of debt and in
! a sound financial condition. The COM
mittee on cooperation and trade rela-
| tons recommended closer relation be-
| tween the individual lodges and the state
| trade commissioners. The trustees of
| the general assembly have general super
| vision of all cooperative trade rela-
| tons The secretary's report showed the
national membership of the association
| 10 be about twenty-siX thousand.
The general assembly of the f. NJ. 3.
| A. Wednesday voted in favor
| Of consolidation with the other farmer
| organizations of the country and. gave
| the board of trustees, appointed as a
special committee. of which all the mem
bers are enthusiastically in favor of the
measure. full power to act in conjunc-
| ton with similar committees from the
| other organizations Of a like character
in the United States.
Immediately after the assembly was
| called TO order Wednesday morning the
report Of the important committee on
| organization, to whom had been referred
| the presidents address with its recon-
as follows:
your committee on organization does
| not feel called upon to make an argu-
ment in favor Of the organization of
| farmers. The methods and circum-
| stances of trade and commerce. the
events transpiring daily in the business
world, the acts of our congressional and
| legislative bodies, the general environ
ments of the farm, the organization and
| combination of those of other classes
/ and callings-these are the very strong
4 est arguments that could be produced
and teach Enthusiastically that the soil
/ tiller must organize, or he must stand
| at a fearful disadvantage among the
vocations of the world.
Impressed deeply with this import
| ant truth we are sorry, indeed, TO report
| that there is a manifest falling off in
our membership; but after a careful can
vass of the subject we are convinced
| that the +. NJ. =. A. is in as healthy
/ condition as any of our contemporary
| organizations. We are free from dis
| sension. and a oneness of purpose per-
| vades our membership that of itself is a
/ tower of strength, and the sentiment
/ that called our order into being and in
/ to such wonderful growth is as strong
| in the breasts of those who are no
J longer members as it was in the hey
| day of our prosperity and enthusiasm.
/ This impresses us with the great good
| that has been done by our order and
we have the utmost faith in it's posi-
| bilities for good in the future.
1--WE, therefore, urge that our lower
bodies, especially our subordinate lodges,
exert themselves TO have interesting pro-