Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1911-02-02
UNION DOES MUCH
GOOD FOR FARMERS
President Barrett, Organi-
zer, Tells of Benefits
From Cooperation.

toward the betterment of the farm
ers, both in education and co oper'
alton, the two essential objects Of
the union, is admitted by all who
know its workings, says the WaIla
Walla Morning Union under date
of January Goth. And from the
letter that has been received at the
local Office of the Farmers Educa-
tional and Cooperative Union from
the national president, Charles s.
Barrett, 1t is evident that there
will be much doing this year to-
ward extending this organization.
He dwells at length on the ben
e6ts of the organization to the far
mers, and in pointed arguments
sets forth his reasons why the
union should be extended. The
letter reads as follows:
Washington, D. c.. Jan. 23.-To the
officers and members Of the Walla Walla
Farmers Union:
Organization is today the greatest
weapon and the most achieving tool at
the disposal OF the American farmer.
have stressed, in previous appeals.
the almost magical value Of organiza-
tion, as shown in great and small busi-
ness, state and federal government, ac-
complishment the world over. But one
could write volumes and yet leaye many
features of the subject unhandled.
am, moreover, extremely anxious
that every American farmer not mem
Der of the Farmers Union identify him
self with this organization for mis- Own
sake, first, and, necessarily, for the good
of the or&anization.
Has Helped the Farmers.
There is not one American state in
which the Farmers Union is we'll organ.
lied, but the lot of the farmers of that
state has been generally improved.
Why? For the simple reason that
instead of working sinRly. or in pairs.
for the local, the county or the state re-
forms needed, they have worked as a
unit. That is the secret Of organization
and its wonderful efficiency everywhere.
For instance: If it were to the In
terests of the farmers of certain state
TO secure larger educational appropri
ations that there might be more "little
red schoolhouses," what would be the
plan under the old system? A farmer
DR. two would write his representative in
The state legislature, the latter would ,
anguidly read the letter ana there the
matter would rest. 1t would continue
% rest for months and years, until grad
lally the feeble, scattered voices got to-
gether and made such an impression
lpon the law making body that action
vas forthcoming.
Organization Gives Power
Had organization existed the result
would have been hastened by as many
1ears as there was numerical power and
wise leadership to the organization. {
That is what organization does-hast- &
sns results, reduces scattered public
sentiment to focus, and makes it beat G
hard, loud and persistently upon the @
Ear drums of sleepy legislators. We
,sye proved it in go many states that 1 g
;annot undertake to enumerate them.
Politics is just one feature. If organ h
zation ls effectual in that field, 1t is no \
ess effectual in creating conditions that u
viii lessen the farmers debt, make his n
living conditions more pleasant, give 4
i'm good roads. put him into more :,
riendly relations with his neighbors n
nd, finally, solve what the wise men
all the rural problem" Organization
, the weapon Of the many put into the !,
ands of few responsible, able and de- =
oted men.
That is why am preaching its value. IL
But organization can be most effective j.
you insist that your leaders be chosen p'
" fitness and for ability TO suffer and
lcrifce rather than for iollying and h
ability. 10
So it will be an excellent plan for W
Du to spend much of your time this
sar in looking for men whD answer
Iese qualifications, then giving them q