The Nevada County picayune., 1910-07-08
REPORT OF ST. LOUIS MEETING
President Barrett Summarizes Mean ing and Prophecy of Recent Con-
 ference of Farmers.

1 ciation fin a communication to the of | ficers and members of that organiza- tion. summarizes the meaning and i prophecy of the recent St. Louis na- 1 tional conference as follows:
 The national rally of the farmers of America, held May 28 in St. Louis under the auspices of the Farmers union was in effect mammoth educa- tional chautauqua which has never l been exceeded. even approached, by any gathering of farmers chautauqua held for farmers in American history
 In diversity of program in number of speakers of national prominence and wide information. in freedom of ex- l pression and complete representation Gf bona fide farmers, I do not remem- l Der in my broad personal experience any previous assembly that even re- motely deserves to rank with this one.
 Every shade of opinion was repre- scented, and every speaker had full swing for the presentation of his views
 Collectively the week was like noth- 1 ing more than like a gigantic lecture l course, In which each number was taken care of by qualified experts and 1 the audiences to winch were among the cream of the intelligent and inde- pendent and thinking producers of the nation.
 In this one week we obtained data and instructive information that we would have otherwise sought valnly 1 for a term of yearC. The results, rich 1 ly stimulative to creative thought and action among the American farmers, will be shortly issued in book form, and circulated freely throughout the country There will be a copy for every member or non-member who wants one.
 Despite misleading and perverted re ports sent out, the order during the entire week was perfect and the con- duet a credit to the great organiza- ton under whose auspices the con- vention was held No previous meet ing of the Farmers union has been made the victim of so many untrue. un- fair and misleading accounts by the press of the city in which it was held. A political tinge, in flat contradiction to facts. was given each report, the seeming effort being to bolster up sensation rather than to reflect aceu- rately the proceedings of the week.
 Reports made by the various com, mittees were extremely enlightened, especially that from one committee delegated to ascertain by a census actual work being accomplished by the union in the individual states Their aggregate findings indicate that prac- tical enterprises and cooperative ven lures are multiplying in 2 manner ac- tually challenging the credulity of even our most enthusiastic members In a few days. it Is my intention to give out to tho brethren and the pub lie that portion of the report which demonstrates concrete evidence of the spread of the business of cooperative idea
 The local and national press has had much to say regarding the Farmers union entering partisan politics. There is absolutely no truth. not even the ground for speculation, in either ru- mors or reports. I have so often and forcibly reiterated that the Farmers union shall not be embroiled in partl- san politics. so long at least as l am president that it seems needless for me to re-atfirm that attitude. But my ceaseless anxiety to conemsively dis credit such vague or outright rumors. leads me to again warn the member ship that any story purporting to align this organization with partisan movement k unauthorized, untrue and merits instant repudiation by every member having the welfare of the or der at heart
 one of the most important features of the meeting was the overwhelming percentage of bona fde farmers pres eut and actively engaging in discus. zions All but eight American states and territories Were represented, and We had as well, a lafee number of non members as guests.
 In the latter connection. and as d direct result of the St Louis rally, calls for organizers are coming from Rhode Island, New York and the Da- kOtas. In the former two states, espe- cia)y. if is gratifying to know that Farmers union sentiment is growing steadily Some of the most intelli- gent, Wealthtost and amongst the most progressive farmers live in that DOT tion of America and We vin never be contentcd until We have strong organ nations there giving the finishing touch 10 the national tone of the or. Eauization
 Al the last analysis. 1t is encoura- eing 10 reflect that every one left St Louis well satisfied. never saw more amicable or harmonious meeting. or one in which the spirit of fraternity WAS stronger developed
 II is notable. too that each single development demonstrated that the American farmer Is awake to his rights and more determined 10 enforce