Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-01-16
WhAI FARMERS WANI.

iAVoaotN w iatmcIs oAkaufLstiouI Itp-
resents more accurately the wishes and
sentiments Of the farmers than does the
grange, for IL Is directed and controlled
without political interference and Is In
elose touch with the people. The an
nual meeting In about one-half the state
oranges OF the country was held In De-
cember and in this list were fiye of the
six state oranges of New England. The
proceedings OF these gatherings have
been quite generally printed and the
general sentiment Of these gatherings
upon matters OF public concern was In
line with the action taken by the Ma
tional Grange This indicates that judg-
ment and reason have taken the place OF
populistic tendencies In this representa-
tive farmers organization. When the
grange was first established II attracted
10 It's ranks great many soreheads-and
demsgogues Of various shades of politi-
cal belief and with various objects In
view, and when these got Ia coutrol OF
the organization iis action WAS such as
TO prejudice intelligent people against IL
and keep its numbers small. In fact
there seemed TO be feeling at that time
that farmers organization must sdvo-
cate unreasonable measures and make
attacks upon everything that was fiusn-
cially prosperous in order TO demonstrate
It's utility and right 10 live.
There never WAS more positive proof
OF the wisdom Of different course than
can be found In the recent state grange
meetings in New England. This Is the
stronghold Of the grange. Over 40 per
cent Of the total membership Of the
country Is located In New England. The
enthusiasm found here Is beacon light
for other sections Of the country and the
influence OF the organization In New
England Is not approached anywhere.
This IL In some measure due TO the In
telligence and ability Of the people COM
posing the organization and TO the
straightforward, progressive policy
adopted.
Among the resolutions adopted In any
of these states we find none demanding
an equal distribution Of the wealth OF
the country without regard 10 effort ;
nothing calling for ffty-eent dollars; no
resolutions asking the government TO
loan money on zeal estate security at
two per cent interest or demanding that
the government build warehouses In
which TO store the farmers crops. All
of these were endorsed by the grange in
earlier DAYS and have been abandoned by
the grange and by people in general. In
place Of these matters We find resolu-
tons looking 10 perfectipg our public
school system, supporting our agricolt-
ural colleges, developing postal facilities,
fxvoring the establishment Of libraries,
regulating trusts and strengthening the
financial policy Of the states and Of the
country.
We find the members in these various
state grange meetings discussing not
how 10 get dollar without earning IL,
but how to better the conditions and In
crease the remuneration Of those who
are willing 10 work. We find them dis
cussing not how to secure legislation by
force or intimidation but how TO create q
public sentiment In favor Of their meas
ures. Their discussions indicate that
the advantage OF the trained mind is sp-
preciated and that mental development
Is of more importance than the physical
instruction. Iu other words that IL Is OF
importance TO know first why thing Is
done aud afterwards how 10 do it. Their
discussions also indicate an appreciation
Of the home and It's development In the
category OF successful farming and that
the farmer iSof more Importance than
the farm. We believe no one can follow
the exercises Of these meetings as pub
lished by the press without having 4
favorable opinion OF this farmers orgsni-
zsrion as now conducted and wishing II
success in It's present line Of action.
There seems 10 be another sentiment
incorporated In the proceedings and that
is an evident disposition to teach the
farmer 10 depend upon his own efforts
more than In the past. IL is well TO get
all the aid possible from legislation, or.
gsnizstion and educational institutions,
bur after all the farmers success OF
failure depends upon his own individual
effort, and that is true In every line oil
action and 10 every occupation. Nc
more profitable lesson can be taught
any young man than that IL he succeeds
IL will be from his own effort and II be
fails il win be from lack Of proper effort.
We find this prominently taught in the
grange addresses, discussions and pspers-
and it is grand field in which TO labor
The state grange meetings in New Eng,
land are setting the paee in this im'
portsnt mstter.-Mirror and Farmer.