The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1898-04-19
WHY HAVE FARMERS AND FARM
PAPERS so LITTLE INFLU-
ENCR ON LEGISLATION

Hon. H. M. Beyers, former speaker of
the Iowa legislature, was asked to de-
liver an address on the subject of the
influence Of Rgriculturists and agricul-
turaI papers on legislation. He began
by stating that had he been choosing
subject, he would have made it, "Why
have farmers and farm papers 80 little
influence on legislation9" and that he
would have discussed it as thus stated.
de stated in brief that there were over
ZOO 600 farmers-voters-in the State
OF Iowa; that, in fact, they constituted
majority of all the voters in the
State; that their influence, if properly
directed, would be all powerful in legis.
lation, whereas, as a matter Of TACT, it
was comparatively little; and that il
one, half or oneiourth Of them would
agree on any one measure, there would
be no question, whatever, of its enact
ment by the legislature. He stated
further that farmers having elected
Senator or representative assumed that
their whole duty was done; that every
other interest in the State was organ
lied and represented in the lcbbies of
the legislature; that they aimed to head
off any legislation that would affect
their interests adversely, while the
member was left unsupported by farm
ers and uninstructed with regard to
their interests. He stated further that
the farmer was about as likely to de
feat in the coming election the man
who had stood faithfully by his inter
ests as be was to support him, and cited
the instance CT one representative In
the last legislature who stood with un-
daunted courage and heroism that ex-
cited his utmost admiration for every
measure that was just and right. The
corporation interests told him plainly
that if he did not keep quiet he would
be defeated for nomination and the
farmers weuld not stand by aim. His
r ply was, in substance, that he would
&. his duty and take the consequences,
took them and was defeated. Mr..
3 fers suggested that if farmers would
go on and perfect their farm organiza-
tions, discuss measures that effect their
interests, advise their legislators
through their farm paper as to what
legislation they desire, there would be
no difficulty in securing it. Mr.. Byers
had large audience, which gave him
respectful attention. In talking with
a number of farmers about the address
the following day. one farmer made
this Significant HAS it come to this,
that having elected members of the
General Assembly, we must follow
them up and tell them how TO vote9"
The indictment made in this remark
was rather severe one-more severe,
we think, than the facts in the case
warrant. He is very superior man
who is thoroughly versed in the prob
lens of legislation that affect the farm
that he is able without the advice of
farmers to know just how he should
vote. The agricultural interests are
like the Commandments, exceeding
broad, and there should be some way
OF advising the Legislator Of the general
sentiment of farmers on any given
topic. We know of no way to do this
more effectively than through the col
umns of a reliable farm paper. If the
members of the legislature thoroughly
understand that the agricultural paper
of the State voiced the average senti-
ment of the farmers Of that State on
any given subject, farmers would have
very little to complain OF in the way
of legislation. The agricultural paper
is the bond of union, and the only bond
of union that has yet been devised, or
we believe can be, between the farm
ers, and hence it is and should be their
exponent and mOuthpiece-their watch
man on the water tower.
One great reason, in our judgment,
why farmers have so little influence in
legislation and suffer as compared
with other classes is because they do
rally around and support to the extent
they might an agricultural paper that
that is faithful to their interests and
seeking on all occasions to promote
them, not merely in the way Of grow
ing crops, but in securing legislation
that will give them a price for these
crops, and protect them from excessive
taxation. The best days work that
any man can do on the farm this year
is raIlying his neighbors to the support
by subscription to the agricultural
paper that is faithful to his interests.
No army, however large, can win
victory unless they follow their colors
and stand by their leaders. There is
no way in which farmers can secure