The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-05-19

SenLeQ mas some SOOu pOluto W Cou
mend it. First, there are large num-
Der of independent companies OF
| farmers engaged in marketing grain,
| live stock. etc. These have state as
ISOLATION for mutual protection, but
there is no merging of ownership.
Hon. J. s. Canaday of Minden is presi-
dent of this state association.
Then there is what is commonly
known as the Butler organization,
a big corporation operating elevators
in Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska,
on the Zine" system. Each local sta
ton must take enough stock in the
big concern to equip its local elevator.
Prof C. Vincent, formerly of the Cen
trail Farmer, is organizer for this sys-
tenn in Nebraska
A new organization somewhat upon
the same lines as the Butler line
system, was recently effected as the
result Of meeting at Omaha. 1t is
incorporated in South Dakota for
something like $780, ,0O0-a genuine
farmers trust" If its promoters
plans materialize. Hon. Fl. H. Hanks
of Nebraska City is one of the high
officials in this concern.
The communication below comes
from Hon. D. Philips of Poo Siding,
Buffalo county, deputy president Of
| the American Society of Equity,
which has it's headquarters at Indian
apolis. He teaches cooperation in a
little different way
| The Independent believes good will
come of all these different plans.
They may fall short of performing
fully up to promises-but they will
teach the farmers some valuable les
sons. While learning cooperation in
marketing their products, the farmers
of Nebraska and elsewhere might find
it profitable also to study the ques-
ton of COOPERATIVE VOTING
Associate Editor.)
i Editor Independent: The fact is,
there are practically no laws for the
farmers, and it is in the intent of the
corporate power, and the political ma
chimes, that there shall be none.
| Ours is government by the people
in theory; but by corporations in
practice.
I The demagogue devotes a great deal
Of attention to the farmer and his in
dependent position on the stump; but,
also, all is vanity! The agricultural
industry Of this country is still the
victim of the most intense competitive
system ever established. Each farmer
is in constant warfare against all
i others.
/ Each is striving to produce as much
as possible for grain gamblers and
packing institutions to benefit there
i from.
All he is supposed to know now, un-
der the present system, is how to
work sixteen hours a day and the road
to market.
Let us see, then, what can be done
to elevate the agricultural bus mess OF
this country and place 1t on an equal
ity with other industries. If the farm
ers would control their own products
they could refuse to ship until the
railroads gave them fair and equitable
rates. No man can buy until some
} other is willing to sell. These facts
seem simple enough and they are be-
ing given a good deal of attention by
CcTLdlu CldSSto VIII diC uioIulUCu q
the thought that the farmers may de.
eide to control their own business.
Why should not farmers act as bus
mess men? Other business men strive
to the utmost to control the market
they form gigantic combinations Il
limit the output, to lift prices and t.
regulate wages.
Surely it is not wrong to urge farm
ers to do what other business mel
are doinv.
Organization OF the farmers on thu
plan proposed by the American So
ciety OF Equity will not harm, but vii
benefit every legitimate business. Lo
cal unions will be formed all over thu
country, in every township. to accom-
modate every farmer II Is not nee
l essary for n member to belong to
local union. but II IL recommended
where ten or more can Join together
they should have a union.
The affairs OF the society are reg
ulated by q board OF seven or mor'
directors.
These directors are experts ON vari
Gus lines OF products.
They may be selected by member