The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1911-10-21
ABLE LEADERS ARE NEEDED
president Barrett Tells Shawnee Cor
ventTon Of Prosperous Condition
Of Farmers Union.

AT a day when the Farmers Edu-
cational and Cooperative Union Is
more powerful than at any time in its
existence, it gives me pleasure and
profound pride to greet its representa-
yves In annual convention assembled.
You are the authorized spokesman
Tor the most important farmers or
ganlzatlon In all history. You gather
at a time when we can view battles
won, and battles yet to be won, in q
degree that is new In the annals Of
| tne producers of any nation. I am
sure you share with me mighty thrill
as we look backward upon the long
and hard road we have travelled and
the obstacles we have overcome; and
that, with me, you feel no less a call
TO action when we consider the prob
lens yet unsolved by the American
farmer
During the past year, and especially
during the past summer, I have visit
ed personally all the important state
organizations and all the state conven-
tlons. And | come to you with the
message that the Farm ars' Union is
stronger, better drilled In discipline.
In finer financial condition and more
inspired with the stern enthusiasm OF
sacrifice, of brotherly love and of CO.
operation than since that never-to-be-
forgotten day when Newt Gresham
launched It's first great principles.
States that were previously Indifferent
or laggard are going forward by great |
strides. State treasures that once
suffered lack of funds, are being
placed upon solid basis, everywhere
south. east and west-the
farmer is waking to the opportunity
and the duty of affiliating with his
brethren, and is learning the true
meaning Of the creed to which he sub
scrlbes when he takes the obligation
of membership.
We have accomplished all, thus far.
that the reasonable man could expect,
and much more than our secret ene-
mics and the pessimists hoped We
stand upon record that no similar or
gan1zation has remotely approached.
And bring to you the further import
ant message that America is so wax
ened to the significance of our move
ment that limitless financial assist
ance will be at our disposal, the mo-
ment we bring this organization to
the high state Of perfection 1t is now
rapidly approaching. The day may
come this year, or next year, when the
member Of this order will find him
self backed by such large capital and
10 many resources as to remove his
asst WaVering doubt as to the coun-
rvs appreciation of the role Of the
producer. SO long neglected.
As an instance Of the national att )
ude toward our cause, 1t is pleasure 6
@ report that more than 5000 papers j.
Print regularly the statements issued i
rom national headquarters. Each q
nail brings requests from more pub 3
ications to be placed upon our mail y
ng list. And / am In receipt of In =
luiries regarding our work and it's h
rogress from practically every coun- q
~ In civilization. tell you this, that Il
ou may realize the momentum this :.
Movement has attained, and the grave
responsibility resting upon all Of us 81
, see that in no wise do we betray or -
isappoint the trust the nation and
1e world begin to repose in our mis- 2
ion.
The greatest need Of the American 4
armer today, whether within or with B
ut this organization, IS effectual lead
rship. l know that for the so-called
'ural problem" there are thousand Y
nd one remedies and solutions sug-
ested, some Of them good, some ab- n
lrd and some absolutely vicious IN N
tent and principle. None Of them \;
uch the core of the situation. We l
led not remedies but leaders. Give /
! proper leaders In every state, and I
e shall soon find the remedies, and
,ply them. The machinery for re- Z
nm, for progress and prosperity; the (
eatest plans outlined by the brains Z
the most accomplished experts; L
pital in unmeasured proportion, are z
at our disposal. All that is lacking II
leaders to administer and keep ad- +
nistering the great and the little de- L
lis that underlie the welfare of SO
ghty an organization.
Some Of us think we need more en-
usiasm, more plans, higher or lower
es, constitutional amendments, to ~
into politics, to let politics severely q,
me. All these considerations are 49,,
IRE or less vain. We do not need
We need not doctors to n.
, that the patients take the pre- ~
options and keep on taking theb.
f you ask me the proof Of these An
tements, point you to the history
every farmers organization that
5 been born, risen to a dizzy height
some instances, and then fallen to !
inglorious death. Whose was the Mo
1t in every case? That of the lead the
The Wheel, the Farmers ALL ant
:e, are they the mighty powers that hor
e made the nation trenbIe? You cor
wv they are not. Selfish leadership. c
7ardly leadership, inefficient leader bea
p is responsible. | know as well an ley