Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-02-10
AN INTERESTING MEETING
At the Home of Mr.. and Mrs. Jas.
Stonebrook by the
NORTH SHADE FARMERS CLUB
They Favor Government Ownership of
Railroads and Wound Amend
Present Game Laws.

The North Shade Farmers Club En-
joyed the kind hospitality of Mr.. and
Mrs. James Stonebrook Friday, Febru-
airy 3, at their pleasant home. After
those present had partaken of a bounti-
full dinner the president, Roy Cushman,
called the meeting to order and the
club sang from the new books, "A
Farmers Life for Me"
The state question What Laws Shall
We Ask the Incoming Legislature TO en-
act?' was opened for discussion by Jas.
Cusick. Mr.. Cusick said first of all ne
would ask for primary election law and
have il reach far enough TO become a
state law; to amend the game law and
provide for the protection of our quail
and partridge, and such birds as are
harmless and destroy many insects
which are injurious TO our crops. keep
these birds exempt from all hunters for
at least a period of ten years Would
also ask for good road system
Emery Dobson would ask for state tax
commission He believes in equalization
of taxes throughout the state When
we fail 10 pay our part of the tax some
one else has 70 pay more and vice versa.
The subject was also discussed by Mrs.
Salisbury who was very much opposed 10
the privileges which the hunters take,
who even go so far a. 10 kill the domes-
tic fowls. throw down fences etc,
which are left for the farmer TO lay up,
seems 10 be part Of his business.
The president spoke briefly on the
subject, and then the club sang, "A
Song of the Reapers, after which
4 IL,
has the Railroad 10 the Farmer" Mr..
Boyle said that the United States was
doing an enormous shipping business.
furnishing over so per cent of the ex-
ports, but the railroad has raised the
freight 20 per ton and this amount is
charged up TO or taken out Of the farmer.
He said that the Legislature had cut
down the railroad tax over $4,000, 600
and the farmer has that amount 10 pay
Legislatures make good promises, but
do not live up TO them. He urges that
each man do his own thinking and not
allow party bosses TO think for him
vote for the interests of the farmer.
Mr. StonebrOOk also stated that he
thought the railroads were rObbing the
farmers as well as the small manufac-
turers, and that he had recently read of
several small manufacturers quitting
business on account of the cXOrbitant
shipping expenses.
The president called Mr.. Stonebrook
10 the chair and ne spoke very freely
upon the subject. He said that railroad
expenses and monopolies are on the
increase and il remains for the American
people TO see what comes of it, Mr.
Cushman said that in New Zealand the
railroads are owned by the people and
in period of thirty years that country
has risen from barbarism 10 the highest
civilization of the world. The people of
that nation do not believe in financial
greed, but what Is a benefit 10 the
shipper is "A benefit 10 the nation. In
time the United States railroads will be
owned by the people. Dan Speice said
that the railroads own and control
good deal; have everything in their own
hands in regard TO fares, shipping ex-
penses, etc. Mr.. Cusick said that If all
we do is to talk, il will not amount 10
much, but the proper way TO do is TO
draw up petition, have all the members
of this club and also the members of
other clubs to sign it, then fire it at the
Legislature. Scripture tells us, ASK and
fe Shall Receive" we do not ask, we
only talk.
The Misses Bertha and Bernice PAYNE
sang a song and then came the question
box, which brought out some interesting
discussions. Another selection was
rendered by the Payne girls in their usual
pleasing manner. and the club adjourned
to meet the first Friday III March.
Although many were absent, who
were on the program, the day was profit.
ably spent and enjoyed by all present.
MARY JoLLs.