The Republican journal., 1915-01-28
The Farmers Pay.

To THE EDITOR OF THE JOURNAL: The ac-
ton of the legal and m edical professions of
Belfast in combining and adopting an advance
ed scale of fees for their services, emphasizes
the vital economic diff ference in the occupation
of farming from that of any other business
trade or profession. Contrary to what many
may be led to believe by so. called agricultural
experts, farming, except possibly under labor
atory conditions, is not, nor never can be. an
exact science. Provided he has the necessary
captal-which is most important factor-the
farmer can to a great degree control tillage
fertilization, see selection, plant diseases and
insect pests. There are, however, two agents
necessary for a successful crop that are not his
to command. These are moisture and temper
AZURE. The farmer may put forth his best
efforts and lacking proper atmospheric condi-
tions his labors may avail nothing, The pro-
duction of 200 egg hen is perhaps even more
uncertain. Of no other business may it be
so truly said "that man proposes but God dis
poses"
The more important difference, however, lies
In the fact that after running the gauntlet of
germs, parasites and adverse climatic condi-
lions, the farmer has no voice in making the
price on his products, which being of perish
able nature are practically disposed of at
forced sale and auction prices. Therefore he
knows not when he plants what recompense, if
any, he will receive for his abors.
Agricultural experts have likened farming
to manufacturing. but what manufacturer
would be SO optomistc, or foolhardy, as to
operate his plant for twelve months and then
sacrifice his goods on the market under these
conditions? Before wheel moves the tariff
must be adjusted to his satisfaction. There are
"Gentlemen's agreements" and secret trade
combinations; there are strike and war clauses
in his contract, and he knows to a cent what
he will receive for his finished product.
The followers of other occupatio ions and pro.
LESSONS also have something to say as to
| what their compensation shall be. The ma
son and the plumber know just what their
eight hours work will show. The farmer
works twelve hours day and takes what he
can get for pay. He tends his crops from
spring to fall and sometimes gets no pay at ALL
If legal services you seek you will find that
taih 10 MOI SO cheap ana tnaC you naQ better
leave your clothes at home, for they take all
but skin and bone The doctors also have a
way of saying what you are to pay. The
surgeon lays you on the bed, gives you some
dope ard goes ahead and whether it be kill or
cure healthy bill is always sure. The man
who sells you flour and spice is quite decided
on his price; but sell to him you will find it
true he also makes the price for you. In buy
ing clothing boots and shoes, it is take or leave
them you choose, and if you travel on the
train you will find the custom is the same.
They fix the price that you must pay ana you
can go or stay away. The humble servants of
our State to fix their pay will legislate, with
head and shoulders in the trough no power on
earth can shut them off None but the farmer
have to live on what the public choose to give,
and though his recompense is small tits he
who feeds and clothes them ALL
CLIFTON M. MOORE.
Monroe Me-