The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1912-08-23
TARIFF HAS NOT
Helped FARMERS
Senator Gardner Gives Reason
for Supporting Wilson.
NOW IS TIME FOR REWARD
Too Long Have They Been Fooled
by False cods-Rallying to De-
mocraoy's Banners.


The eason why those engaged in
agricultural pursuits should support
Governor Woodrow Wilson for presi-
dent are strongly set forth by Senator
Obadiah Gardner OF Maine in an ad-
dress to farmers.
Senator Gardner is a practical farm
er, one who farms his own farm, and
he is probably in closer touch and
sympathy with country life and its
environments than any other man in
public life.
For twenty-five years Senator Gard
ner has been actively engaged in
the National Grange and for ten years
he was the master Of the State Grange
Of Maine. A few years ago he came
within a close margin Of being elected
governor Of the Pine Tree State.
A little less than a year ago, when
Senator Frye, who had represented
Maine in the senate for thirty years,
died, Governor Plaisted honored Mr.
Gardner, and recognized the agricul-
tural interests of the country by ap-
pointing him to the United States sen.
ate, where he has made a most credit.
able record, devoting particular atten-
ton to the welfare of the great rural
population Of the country. He Is now
a candidate for reelection and will
undoubtedly be successful.
In his address, Senator Gardner
says:
To the Farmers of the United States.
Greeting:
Being one Of you and for the greater
part OF my life having been engaged in
the practical everyday duties Of my
" farm; having been for rs years past
officially at work through boards Of agri-
culture and the National and State
Oranges; having served four years as
second officer Of the National Grange and
as master Of the Maine State Grange ten
years, during which time the order in
Maine added S.H5 members and attained
a power and influence never held before,
! feel l am in a position to speak from
the standpoint of one who knows the
farmer and his needs. and It is solely be-
cause of this that l am prompted to adj
dress you.
For years farmers have Justly COM
planned Of being required to pull at the
short end OF the yoke because of unfair
and unjust Determinations in legislation
and transportation, and at the present
time the farmers are charged with being
the cause OF the high cost of living, when,
as a matter OF fact, taken collectively
the amount invested In their business. the
hours devoted to hard labor, and every
thing connected with the details Of agri-
cultural l~fe-they are, as a whole, the
poorest paid class Of people In this coun-
try. while relatively the most important.
Farmers Have Been Deceived.
During all recent years farmers have
been told what a great blessing has been
theirs through the so-called protective
tariff, and yet to find a market for their
principal crops they have had to COM
pete in the markets OF the world where
the price is fixed. But suddenly It is dis
covered that the farmer is the sole cause
for the high cost of living, and what
happens7 The president CMr. TafO with
a total disregard for the interests of the
farmers, submits q plan to open up to
competition with the farmers of the
United States the products of Canada
while being careful TO preserve the tariff,
or more correctly speaking. the tax, on
all the farmer has to buy, which, as
clearly as anything can, exposes the
hypocrisy and '~'humbuggery" Of the claim
that the tarif Is a benefit to agricul-
tural as compared with manufactured pro-
ducts.
Now, the farmers Of this country have
an opportunity to benefit themselves that
has never appeared within my recollec-
ton, as the Democratic party has been
compelled by the force of public opinion
10 nominate a man for the presidency
who is best equipped for that high office
OF any that have been nominated or elect
ed since Lincoln. a man that / speak
of from a personal acquaintance with and
a knowledge OF his fitness; a man OF great
| 80 erVRn1 ahf1fNNT unlanAiA1U ndVnnNnh NOT
theoretically but practically, a keenness
OF Intellect remarkable for its grasp Of
every condition with which he IS con-
fronted; an indomitable courage to do
right: and above all a great broad tend
ency with and sympathy for all classes.
He will make one Of the most accessible
presidents ever in the White House, and
through whom none will be refused a
hearing, however humble, nor fail to re-
ceive Justice at his hands. He Is truly a
marvellous man and ] wish every person
In the United States could know him as
I know him, and supplementing all these
qualities Is the additional one that his
home Is one of perfect balance.
None can meet the splendid Mrs. Will
son and her three refined, cultured daugh-
tiers with their perfect naturalness, but
must feel that the whole family Of Wood
row Wilson was especially prepared to
fiji a great need In the present crisis In
the history of our country, as were
Warrington. Jefferson, Jackson and Lin
coin, and I would advise THE farmers
upon my reputation as a man, II you
want to protect your own interests and
those OF your families; II YOU want to
render the greatest possible good to your
country and future generations; II you
want TO contribute your part TO the END
that popular government under God shall
not perish from the earth, then see that
the Hon. Woodrow Wilson ls elected
president. o. dAHDNhH'