The Kemper herald. (Scooba, Miss.) 1875-1908, 1906-09-27

Mr.. Orange Herington, of Ellisyllle,
ably edits Farmers Page" IN one
of the Laurel papers, making it the
official organ of the Farmers Union
for that section of the state. Mr..
Harrington propounds question
something like this: Have the farm
ers a right to organize ald why?"
The writer has always taken the
affirmative side Of this question and
not only accords the right, but en-
phasizes the necessity of organization
for the agricultural classes. In organ
ization all classes assume normal
condition. Our government is found
ed upon organization AID the two
great political parties struggling for
control today are organizations with
out an equal in the history OF the
world. Fraternal organizations with
millions Of members exist in the Unit
ed States and grow stronger year by
year. Capital with its hundreds OF
branches is thoroughly organized and
interests are threatened. The insur-
ance companies, as shown by recent
developments, were bound by common
interests and provided immense funds
to influence legislation and perform
other service when required. In our
own state those commonly interested
have organizations that are not al
lowed to wane in interest. The bank
ers, newspaper men, druggists, law
yers, doctors, dentists, pharmacists,
oil mill men, lumbermen and others
have their organizations that are kept
up for specific purpose, that of
concerted action in the accomplish
ments Of ends to be desired.
Then the farmer not only has the
right to organize for the furthering
of his interest but it is imperative
that he do SO for his protection when
it is seen that all other interests are
thoroughly in accord and with strong
organizations to secure what they de-
sire. Fifteen years ago the writer
virtually penned these same words to
the county paper in support of an
organization then being effected i'll
his home county. At that time the
contention was made that the rapid
organization of other interests made
it imperative for the farmer to or
ganize for his protection as the day
would eventually come when he would
be the only man that without prctec-
tion, would fall a prey to the organ
lied interests. This has come to pass,
time proving the correctness of the
prediction. The farmers are today
at the mercy of combined and organ
lied interests, and while they are the
foundation or producers Of all wealth,
have less organization than any other.
However, a change is taking place
that augers well for them in the near
future. They are beginning to realize
that they too, must band together for
protection of their mutual interests
and thousands Of them are entering
into the movement. The Farmers
Union is gaining members by the
thousands and other organizations
with similar purpose are also doing
an excellent work That there are a
number of such organizations does
not mean that the effect will be less
marked, but each has its more spe-
cIfc purpose and the end being striv-
en- for, is practically the same. Some
day IN the near future we may expect
to see an amalgamation of all in one
immense union, still delegating to
each division the work for which it
was primarily organized. Such has
been the course pursued by the labor
organizations that are the pendulums
today that tend to check the whirl of
immense organizations of wealth that
are powerful beyond conception. With
the agricultural people organized in
sections to represent the various in
terests and the whole amalgamated
into one immense union for the gen
eral good, there can be mo doubt Of
the beneficial effects to follow. The
organization of one interest serves
as check to others that are not sim
ilarly interested, and will result in
conferences where much is at stake in
stead of arbitrary action which might
be taken otherwise.
The agricultural classes undoubted-
ly have the right to organize for the
protection of their interests and more
than that, the necessity Of organiza
fion is made more imperative every
DAY by the organization of other In
terests. Mississippi is doing well
along this line and the growing
strength Of her farmers in their eff
forts is a source of satisfaction to all
who have the best interests Of the
state at heart The foundation for a
great work is being well laid and the
cooperation of the people to be ben
efitted