The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1907-10-17

lSVE. lAlkc oil OJlGI SulllLCI OOuACo
dt may be said it has selfish purpose,
and that is. financial betterment OF its
members. The Masons, Odd Fellows,
knights of Pyahias. Modern Woodmen,
United Workmen. Ellis. Forresters,
Red Men. Eagles and many others are
orders conducted under secrecy. Not
SO with the American Society of Equi-
ty. 1t is practical in it's application.
1t is the grandest. most sublime idea
for the betterment of economic cOndi-
tions of mankind ever conceived by
mortal mind. From the fact Of it's be-
ing non-secret society, no human be-
Ding can Justly claim any conscientious
scruples-no religious body can raise
any objections to its membership. By
a few plain truths it teaches the prin-
ciples of human rights as measured by
the standard of Divine Law; it recon-
mends that all business affairs be con-
Quoted OH lines OF equity: therefore,
says Gerber in his subject on the
American Society of Equity, entitled
Analogous to Christianity" has no
need of secrecy or secret obligations:
proclaining its doctrines and teach
ings to all. it is ever willing to stand
in the search-light OF eternal truth.
1t is very simple in its forms, therefore
it can be readily understood by all who
would see the beauty Of the plan. and
profit thereby. 1t carefully refrains
from all interference with the rights
of others. but presents its own claims
with dignity and force.
The plan being so plain and practi
cal. it would seem that every fair
minded man who would have equity
prevail. would embrace it. and there
by serve his own interest and the in
terest of his fellow man. But. as in
the case OF Christianity, a great many
are blinded by prejudice and are led
by false dOgmas Of former (nOw dead)
organizations. but are still deferred by
the delusive fathoms of the dead past;
while others, led by selfish averice.
care nothing for the interests of man.
kind at large, or their class. as illus.
trated by the attitude OF many of the
so-named farm journals" and see no
merit in any move or plan unless it
brings sheckels to their pockets.
Who Can Become Members?
All persons who shall be accepted
therein according to the prescribed
rules of receiving members: also
wives of members and their children
not under fourteen 04) years of age
and residing at home with their par
ents.
Is the A. S. of e. Trust?
The society is in no way trust. 1t
has no capital stock. buys no products,
nor does it effect or attempt any COM
bination in restraint of trade. 1t be-
lieves that farmers, like all other pro-
ducers, should price their own prod
ucts. This they do in national convel-
ton in which the producers Of every
farm product are represented. The
price is in strict accordance with the
law of supply and demand, based upon
the cost of production and'the general
level of prices of other commodities.
The board determines minimum
prices for the crops of that year and
the farmers everywhere are told to sell
freely at the prices. and to hold their
stuff when the market is supplied in
stead of rushing it in upon a glutted
market.
The A. S. of e. and Its Branches.
The American Society of Equity is
an international organization incorpor.
ated under the laws of Indiana with
headquarters at Indianapolis. It's first
principal object is:
ITO obtain profitable prices for all
products of the farm. garden and orch
ard" 1t also has other objects of
great Importance to agricultural in.
terests. which will he worked out as
the society develops. The branches
are:
Department of Tobacco Growers.
Department of Cotton Growers.
Department of Fruit and Produce.
Department of Essential Oils.
Department CT Peanut Growers.
Department OF Grain Growers.
When you stop to consider that halt
the people of the United States and
Canada are producers and their pos.
terity depends upon the fruits of thei,
labors from the products of the soil
which are intended to be covered by
the six branches above enumerated
and as a matter OF fact are covered
In this day OF organization can any
sane person say that they need not Or
game for self-protection? most EN-
rhatically say ORGANIZE
No better indication can he found
that the public is ready for organiZa
ton than the fact that something like
two hundred elevators for the receiy
ing of grain are now in operation in
North Dakota, half of his number built
the past season. All these erected b,
Mutual Farmers companies. an(
largely under the influence of the
members Of the American Society OF
Equity. In 1907 nearly 10000 have ap
piled for membership in North Dakota
in the American Society of Equity.
Referring to farmers elevators. I re
greet that the tendency generally is tt
see how much profit the promoter.
can make for their stockholders. as i.