Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-12-18


them. Parties or party Affiliations
should have no influence or weight in
constructive propaganda looking to
the good and the development of the
State.
following:
A strict and impartial enforcement
of all laws.
Direct election of United States
senator's
More equitable distribution of the
school fund.
Federal aid for road improvement.
An adequate Parcels Post law.
Conservation of natural resources.
Equal suffrage for women.
Extension of free rural delivery SER
vice.
Postal Improvement.
For many years the Grange has
been asking for an adequate law
which shall provide a parcels post
that meets the needs and conditions
of a progressive country and a rapid
~ developing agriculture. The enc
mics of any proposed progressive
postal improvement plan for parcels
post have always been the express
of the railroads. And it must now
be evident that to successfully cham
pion cause against the opposition
of such powerful forces will call for
united action by farmers and all
friends of such measure from ocean
to ocean. 1t Is admitted that there
is an imperative and growing demand
for some sort Of Parcels Post law
that will relieve the almost intolerable
express rates upon articles used daily
on the farm and in the home.
A careful study of the whole matter
will, l think, convince any I'M
prejudiced person that the Parcels
Post law enacted by the last Congress
was a great victory and every one
connected with the campaign has
reason to congratulate himself that
he had part (facine' the most stub
born resistance) in forcing Congress-
in the closing days OF the session, To
enact parcels post law in this eoun-
try. Still this law is not adequate,
in that the weight limit allowed, is
too low and the rates too high Not
until amendments are adopted in
ereasing the weight limit and decreas-
ing the rate, will we have a law that
will be universally beneficial.
| believe that the Lewis Gardner
Postal Express Bill while perhaps be-
ing faulty in some details. comes
nearer to being ideal than any bill
presented TO Congress for considera-
ton, and the time will come when the
wisdom and courage of men who, in
the face of most unjust criticism.
fought for the enactment of this bill
into law, will be recognized.
Popular Election of Senators.
The Grange has for many years
cnampioned proposed amendment to
the national constitution providing
for the election of senators bv ponu-
lar vote. A proposed amendment to
the national constitution must he
sanctioned by the legislatures of
three-fourths of the states before
such amendment becomes effective.
A Joint resolution authorizing this
amendment was passed by the House
OF Representatives April I3. 1911. and
by the Senate June Il, 1911.
Nhen the constitution was adopted
there We're no such combinations of
capital as exist today, and the selection
OF the members of the United States
senate was made by the people
through their state legislatures. 1t
was at that time an ideal provision.
ahe enabled the members of the Sem
ate TO be chosen on account of their
htness for the position. Since then
great combinations of wealth repre-
sentlng transportation, manufacturing
and mercantile interests have been
formed. and through the influence of
THESE Chnina IF
states has been made by the repre
sehiatlVes or capital rather than the
representatives of the people
AS eXemplified in the case of a Sem
atof from Illinois recently unseated
from his position in the United States
senate after trial extending over
TWO years it was conclusively proven
that he was elected by the corrupt use
of money.
Inc farmers of the country repre-
sehtlng its greatest industry when
measured by the people employed and
the capital invested, have practically
had nothing to say about the choice of
SENATOR'S Although agriculture is the
most extensive and important industry
upon the development of which all
other industries depend, there is hut
one man In the United States Senate
today whose chief interest from a per
sonal standpoint is in agriculture, and
Maine has the honor of claiming that
man. And l am sure we have no NOR
al right to swear allegiance to any
party or to aid in any. self seeking
combination when men are to be chos-
en- to represent us in the highest law
making body in the land
Conservation of Resources.
Farmers are vitality interested in Sc
curing legislation, controlling forest
areas and in developing of water pow
er sites in the interests of all the peo-
pie, and the Grange should exert its
influence in favor of conserving and
4 developing these resources.
Most commendable efforts are being
made by the national government to
prevent waste and destruction. These
agencies should receive our unstinted
approval and support. In our own
State much may be done to protect
and increase the growth of timber and
to retain control Of and utilize our