The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1899-03-09
We Must Help Ourselves.


Time and again the question has
been asked, "what must the farmers
do to improve their condition, insure
their future prosperityP" 1t is need
less to say that the agricultural in
terests of this country have not, in
the years that have passed, received
that recognition which their lmpor-
tance to the prosperity Of the nation
would justify and demand, and the
momentous question which now
confronts the farmers, is, how TO
remedy the great evil Of practically
ignoring this great producing class
Of people, and discriminating against
their interests by legislative enact
ments. 1t is an old and true saying
that 1.-THE Lord helps those who help
themselves" and II farmers would
receive help, it must be self help.
We complain Of the neglect CT
agricultural interests by public
officials, of rights disregarded, of
discriminating legislation, of laws
not enforced, Of unequal taxation,of
extravaganza and corruption in the
administration Of public affairs, and
that the few are monopolizing the
profits Of the labor of the many.
But of what avail are complaints,
il we will not help ourselves when
the means are so plainly within our
reach?
There is no help In inaction, and
no hope in the attempts to get,
"Something for Nothing"
There will be no neglect of agri-
culture nor discrimination against
its interests when the farmers use
their power as other Glasses and in
terests use theirs.
The farmers will not be helped un-
less they will learn to know and use
their power for their own interests.
There is no human power which
can successfully cope with that of
the mighty agricultural host in this
country, when it can be concentrated
and intelligently and fearlossly ap-
piled.
"Farmers, the power is with you,"
and can be used for your own, and
your country's good when ever you
will it.
But it will require patient, per-
severing effort to utilize this power
and secure the needed help.
twill require careful consideration
and thorough, unbiased discussion
with we'll digested plans Of action,
/ Il a tnr
This is the way, and the only way
to obtain help.
Farmers are you ready? If SO the
order of the patrons of Husbandry.
offers you a carefully matired and
tried plan of organization, the best
: that thirty years of ripened thought
and experience has been able to de-
vice.
1t Is already mighty factor in the
| affairs of today.
Our order Is nonpartisan; we do
not ask you to abandon your polit.
ical affiliations, nor does our order
attempt to control your political
action.
It only suggests that no farmer
should support men for legislative,
judicial or executive positions who
are unmindful of the great founda.
tion interests of our country.
The ballot is our chief reliance tC
secure justice and reform.
1t is our purpose to urge farmers
to use it intilllgently and fearlessly.
! The social and educational
features of our order are most i'm
portant, and we therefore urge every
farmer to bring with him his wife
, and daughters, as well as his sons.
The Grange is the farmers com-
} munity home and all members OF
the family of suitable age are cordial.
: ly welcomed.
J. Come with us and we will do yol
!. good. e. s.