Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1912-08-27

FARMERS SHOULD
SUPPORT WILSON
Best Equipped Man For Presi-
dency Since Lincoln
SENATOR GARDENERS VIEWS,

The Maine Statesman, Himself
Farmer, Declares That President
Taft Would Continue to Tax Farmers
Of the United States and at the Same
Time Compel Thorn to Compete With
Canadian Farmers.
The reasons 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 y
Senator Gardner is a practical farm
er, one who farms his own farm, and
he Is probably In closer touch and SYM
pathy with country life and its en-
vironments than any other man in pub
lie life.
For twenty-five years Senator Gard
ner has been actively interested 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 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 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 un-
doubtedly 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 own
farm. having been for twenty-five years
past officially at work through boards OF
agriculture end the national and state
oranges having served four years as sec
ond officer of the national grange and az
master of the Maine state grange ten
years. during which time the order In
Maine added 3s545 members and attained
a power and influence never held before
standpoint of one who knows the farmer
and his needs and 1t is solely because of
this that am prompted to address you
For years farmers have justly com
planned Of being required to pull at tile
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 10 hard labor and every
thing connected with the details of agri
cultural ife-they are, as whole the
poorest paid class of people In this coun
try while relatively the most important
During all recent years farmers have
been told what great blessing has been
theirs through the so called protective
tariff. and yet to find a market for theii
principal crops they have had 10 compete
in the markets of the world where In,
price Is fixed Rht suddenly it is discov
cred that the farmer is the sole cause 70;
the high cost of living, and what hap
pens? The president (Mr. TafU with ii
total disregard for the interests of the
farmers submits a plan TO open up to
competition with the farmers of the Unit
ed States the products of Canada while
being careful to preserve the tariff OF
the farmer has 20 buy. which as clearly AZ
anything can exposes the hypocrisy and
''humbuggery" Of the claim that the tariff
Is any benefit to agricultural as compared
With manufactured products
Now the farmers OF this country have
an opportunity TO benefit themselves that
has never appeared within my recollec-
tion. the Democratic party has beer
compelled by the force of public opinion
20 nominate a man for the presidency
who Is the best equipped for that high
Office of any that have been nominated OF
elected since Lincoln-a man that | speak
OF from personal acquaintance with ane
a knowledge OF his fitness: a man of great
natural ability. splendidy educated, not
theoretically. but practically: keenness
OF intellect remarkable for its grasp OF
every condition with which he is con
fronted; an indomitable courage to dc
right. and. above all. great. broad tend
ency with and sympathy for all classes
lie will make one of the most accessible
presidents ever in the White House and
through whom none will be refused
hearing. however humble, nor fail to re-
ceive justice at his hands He is truly
marvellous man, and | wish every person
In the United States could know him as
know him. And experimenting all these
qualities is the addition that his home is
one of perfect balance.
None can meet the splendid Mrs. Wilson
and her three refined. cultured daughters
with their perfect naturalness but must
feel that the whole family of Woodrow
Wilson was especially prepared to fill a
great need in the present crisis in the his
tory of our country. as were Washington.
Jefferson. Jackson and Lincoln, and !
would advise the farmers upon my repu-
tation as a man If you want to protect
your own interests and those Of your fam
lies. If you want to render the greatest
possible good TO your country and future
generations, If you want to contribute
your part to the end that popular govern
ment under God shall not perish from the
earth. then see that the Hon. Woodrow
Wilson is elected president