Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-03
PLAN A FARMERS UNION.
Frederick County Movement Sug-
gested bv Roosevelt Sneecb

FREDERICK, Md, June 3-Folowng
the suggestion made by President Roose-
Welt in his speech on farming at Lansing,
Mich, several days ago, farmers of Fred
erick county will effect in this city this
week an organization whose ultimate pur-
pose will be to form similar organizations
in every county in the United States.
The plan is to first effect a permanent
organization in this city, which will prob
ably be done on Tuesday. A similar or
ganization will then be recommended to
every county in the state, with a view
later on of holding a state convention of
farmers. The plan will then be extended
to other states, until a national organiza-
ton is effected, which will meet in national
convention once year in some city in the
middle west.
Immediately after the organization in
Frederick arrangements will be made for
holding the first annual reunion of farm
ers of this county. The reunion will be
held at the fair grounds, about the middle
Of August, and every effort will be made
to have President Roosevelt deliver an ad-
dress on farming. Secretary of State Root
and Gov. Wartield will also be invited to
make addresses. 1t has been proposed to
establish headquarters for the organiza-
ton in Frederick and to send a repre-
sentative to other counties of the state to
assist in organizing and to set forth its OBJ
ject.
"A
and owner of one of the largest and finest
farms on the Merryland tract, who out
lined the plan, is actively engaged In for
warding the movement
THE object of this organization" he
said. lis for the mutual protection and adj
vantage of farmers. When 1t Is considered
that Frederick county ranks third among
the counties of the United States in pro-
ductiveness of soil, it seems fitting that a
movement of this kind should begin here.
1T is becoming more evident every day
that something must be done to protect
the farmer. Nine-tenths of the money
spent in Frederick, and in fact, in every
agricultural community, comes from the
farmer, and yet he is laboring under con-
ditOnS of the most unfavorable character.
1.-The farmers of Frederick county raised
about 100000 bushels of wheat last year.
Sometimes the yield Is greater and some
times less. Thousands of bushels were
sold for 10 cents a buShel. Practically the
entire yield went for under 80 cents a
bushel. Recently the price jumped to 80
cents a bushel but the advance was of no
benefit to our farmers, because they had
none for sale. Every product of the farm
is bringing a good price now, and if the
farmers were wisely directed or mutually
bound together their occupation would be
one of the most profitable as well as the
healthest of callings. Fifteen years ago
bran was thrown in the race by millers.
Today it brings S24 a ton in this county
and is a product of food on the farm that
could not be dispensed with.
II think the question of farm labor could
also be adjusted through efforts of a farm
ers organization. Instead of farmers rent
ing their places and coming to town to live
they should be getting rich in the occupa-
ton that they so well equipped for
1t is understood that some well-known
farmer in Middetown valley will be made
president of the organization.