The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1898-01-12

laws Tor the protection OF the farmers
OF the state, and to formulate bills to be
adopted by the legislature, then in ses-
sion. for the reduction Of freight rates
on railroads by uniform cut of 20 per
cent on such rates; also to reduce pas
senger rates to 2 cents per mile; also
to protect the rights of the holders of
railroad mileage books, and also to So
cure the establishment of scales, for the
weighing of grain shipped, at all rail-
road stations in the state; and
Whereas. the committee prepared the
bills in question and submitted them to
the railroad committee OF the last house,
and they were refused and contemptu-
ously thrown aside without one word Of
approval from any member of said COM
mittee; therefore
Resolved, That a committee of fif-
teen members be appointed by the chair
and instructed to renew it's demands
before the next legislature, and that the
farmers of the state are urgently re-
quested to vote for no man next fall
for the house or senate unless he pub
1icly pledges himself, in writing, to ad-
vocate and vote for the said measures.
Whereas, it is always easier to ere ste
distrust than to inspire confidence; and
therefore the Spectator who seeks to
break down the prices of an agricultural
production has great advantage over
those who seek to put them up; and
whereas, the depreciation of the said
prices is not only robbery of the farm
ers, but great injury to the merchants,
the manufacturer and the whole popula-
ton; therefore
Resolved, That we denounce thu
dealing in options and the selling of that
which the seller does not own, and de-
manded that it be suppressed by law.
Resolved, That we recommend and
urge upon all farmers in the state Of
Minnesota, regardless of party. the duly
of refusing to vote for any nominee
who has been faithless to his obligations
to the whole people, while in office; es-
pecially do we urge this duty where
voting for state officers and members
Of the legislature, there being no other
way Of securing just laws and the faith
full administration thereof
Resolved, That while we do not re-
commend that mob law and violence be
applied to public officers who betray
their trust for money or Office, we do feel
that some stringent and radical means
should be adopted to put a stop to t--e
universal corruption which threatens to
swallow up free institutions and reduce
the people to bondage.
Resolved, That we demand reduc-
ton of at least twenty per cent in the
rates of transportation Of grain in -
state, while the income of the people has
been, by unwise legislation, reduced at
least one-half, the great corporations
should share with us in the economics
to which we are brought
Resolved, That we demand that in
terest on money be reduced in Mime
sofa from ten to six per cent per annum.
Even the latter rate is more than any
legitimate business can afford to pay
at this time. And we also demand that
laws be passed whereby the whole pow
or of the state government shall be used
to seek out and punish the usurious
practice now SO universal in this state.
The land is passing away from the pro-
ducers, who create the wealth OF the
community, to nOn-producers who con-
tribute nothing to the prosperity of the
commonwealth. The state government,
created and supported by the people,
has been too long used to aid the plun-
derers Of the people, We call upon -hs
farmers to aid us in changing the pre-
sent evil conditions.
Whereas, The state railroad and
warehouse commission has to deal di-
rectly with matters pertaining to the
welfare Of the agricultural interests Of
the state; and whereas, said Interests
are not represented upon said commits
sion by single member who is prac-
teal farmer Therefore be it resolved:
That we, as members Of the Farmers
Alliance and Industrial TIni0n Nf tbis