The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1908-03-25

~ tAkf H. Att.A
i -lsaged in
mis- work are
be spirit-the
ITS 4 mutual help
into shape and
a fiji expression, a
s4atof divine origin, viz: the
be nod Of man This conven-
ton IS unique.
differs in character and purpose
\ ia other conventions of men who
wont to meet in this city. We
i've no selfish object to serve. We
not biased by partisan predju-
dice nor warped by personal CON
sideration. The personnel of this
convention is composed of men who
are the bulwark Of the state and
the hope Of the nation. We are a
body of farmers. Upon che products
of the soil solidly rests all legitimate
prosperity
We see much in these two cities
to excite our wonder, in their beau
tiful parks. in their palatial resi-
dences, and in their huge, sub
stantial business blocks. But the
greatness of st. Paul and Mime
apolis and their future prosperity
does not rest upon these, but from
the fact that they are located in the
fertile valley Of the Mississippi, and
from there extend lines of steel,
over which the products Of the farm
are sent, filling their bank tills, ov-
erfowing their counters, giving en-
ployment to labor in their mills,
factories, shops. wherever the hum
of industry is heard, bringing plenty
and prosperity into their homes and
contentment into their lives. / count
this convention important and not
able for reasons other than these.
The association represents one
hundred fifty different Farmers
Mutual Insurance Companies in the
state, with an approximatememb
ship Of 100000, protecting properly
to the aggregate amount of $780,
900. 600.
The business affairs Of these COM
panies are administered satisfac-
torily to the membership. Litigation
is unknown among them. Changes
in their boards Of directors are not
of frequent occurrence. | venture
the assertion that there are presi-
dents and secretaries before me who
have served their respective conn
panies continuously for a period Of
ten, fifteen or twenty years.
No line Of insurance offers more
secure protection than that of the
Farmers Mutuals. Every policy of
insurance carries with it not only
the pledge of the assured but the
aggregate wealth of the.entire mem
ship. No. line Of insurance offers
cheaper protection. They pay no
high salaried officers nor agents.
They declare no large dividends.
Their operating expense bears small
relation to the amount paid for
losses. But the chief benefits de-
rived from these mutual companies
are not beneficial, cannot be meas
ured in dollars and cents. The
various companies represented here
are doing a great work in saving
thousands Of dollars for their mem
berships, but they are doing a greater
work because they are the best ex-
ponent, and powerfully contribute
toward the development Of the CO
operative spirit. which, / believe, is
destined to revolutionize society.
We are living in an age Of colossal
enterprises, largely created by the
utilization of steam and electricity
for the purposes Of manufacturing,
locomotion and transmission Of in
Itelligence.
To organize. equip and manage
these modern industrial enterprises
capital is required vastly beyond the
ability Of the individual to supply
hence we must have associated effor'
and capital under the form Of til,
corporation. It is useless to deer.
against associated capital. It is
product of our modern civilization
Rightly conducted it will contribut,
to the convenience and prosperity o
Il ar. T,oov,lo #