Alma record., 1913-09-11
The ~
NATIONAL
~ ORANOE
GRANGE AND the TARIFF
Grand Master Oliver WiisoW Clearly
Defines Parmers' Position on
Tartff Legts&atsoN-
sSs q Sesssss Sssnss M

The National grange is likely TO take
an active part In the tariff Legislation
at Washington the next few months,
and the legislative committee of that
body will be on hand sharply to see
that the interests of the farmers are
amply safeguarded in making up the
new schedules. Strictly non-partisan
in its mission, the grange nevertheless
interests itself In all public questions
where the welfare OF agriculture and
the future of the farmer are at all in
along which grange influence upon
the new tariff schedules will be ex-
erted
National Master Oliver Wilson OF
Peoria, H., has issued a message to
the oranges of this country that de-
fines clear position Of the grange on
the tariff and Immediately indicates in
what direction the grange fight will
be conducted. His message is as fol-
lows, issued on April 16:
"A new administration has held the
reins of government for more than a
month. A special session of congress
has been called to revise the tariff
schedule. It remains to be seen
whether the present congress is com
posed of men big enough, broad
enough and honest enough to revise
this schedule In a way that will be
just and equitable to all interests, or
whether they will be controlled by GER
tain great interests and amend the
schedule so that 1t will work hard
ship on other branches Of industry
"The Grange declaration on the tar
m Is, and has been for many years,
that so long as a protective tariff Is
the policy of the government we de-
mand that agricultural products be
protected the same as manufactured
articles" The farmer never has had
this protection. For instance, the man
ufacturer of woolen goods has howled
long and loud for free wool, but what
advantage would this be to the con-
sumer 80 long as there was heavy
duty placed on woolen cloths?
Wool Is as much the finished prod
uct Of the farm as cloth Is of the fac
tory and should receive the same pro-
lection. This Is cited as one instance
only. The question is, will the Grange
membership and farmers generally
stand together and insist that In the
present revision the farmer has q
square deal? The Legislative commit
tee OF the National Grange is ready
to do all It can to see that ~
agricultural interests are &C
by the present congress, bU'
have the hearty cooperate
membership; not that there
any opposition from any far
remember that there are sin
sion as well as commission
the former that is too prevaler
our membership
"It Is not too soon to cor
writing your Representatives ! IA
gress, and impress upon thCi All
this revision Of the tariff Is I, a
real one and that they are bo to
consider the welfare of the fari as
we'll as that of the manufactui
I'VE appeal to the Grange
the agricultural press, to agital
educate the people, members
gress included, to the great
tance of a square deal. Let
work together and be ready t.
gest and urge needed amendme
any proposed schedule that doe %
recognize the farmers rights.
"Fraternally,
OLIVER W1LSO,
Master of the National Gran,
This entrance of the Ma ual
Grange into the tariff issue is the )re
significant because of the well-re IN
bered struggle against Cauadiar i-
procity, in which the Grange lea the
fight with tremendous energy; and
though not able TO present the at
ment of the trade pact by the l. ed
States congress, it did succee' in
holding 1t up so long, and in ed tat.
ing the public to the unfairness so
many Of its provisions that VIII, II
came Canada's turn to ratify the a. zee