Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-11
TAX FARMERS
IN ALL MOVES
INDEPENDENT
OF THE GOVT
Unfavorable and Strange Cir
cumstances Facing Maine Ag-
Observation-Disclosures Activities
of Farmers Union Bodies

The Wretched condition of the roads
and frequent storms have had ten
Of the Farmers Unions Of Maine so far
as holding meetings are concerned, but
there has been no letup along business
lines. In fact steady progress has been
maintained all through the season.
This week Manager Embree will visit
some Of the locals in the vicinity of
Portland. On the 18th he will attend
the annual meeting OF the Grand Lodge
of New Hampshire, Ancient Order Of
United Workmen, to be held at Man
chester, April II. representing the
Massachusetts, membership. Mr.. En-
bree organized this Grand Lodge about
eight years ago. From Manchester he
Will go TO Vermont on business for the
Union.
Reports that reach the Central body
from many parts Of the State are
highly encouraging, showing as It does
a determination on the part of the To-
Gals to make a success Of their opera
tons. Quite recently the LAGRANGE
Farmers Union purchased a grain, feed
and grocery business at LAGRANGE and
this store is now being operated by
the LAGRANGE local under the manage
ment Of F. L. Beemis. who is a COM
petent business man.
The Belgrade Farmers Union has
purchased a building on the line of
the M. c. r. r. and made application
to the management for a siding. When
completed they will put in a stock of
goods. At present they are operating
from siding.
The Corinna Farmers Union has
selected site for building and as
soon as they have secured a siding
from the railroad they will start in
business.
Many other locals are endeavorine to
secure a store properly located, and
before another season has passed there
VIII be string of union stores from
klttery to Fort Kent
The great progress made by the Or
ganlzatlon is surprise to the on
locker but what has taken place IL NOT
halr or what was contemplated from
the nrst start Of the movement Maine
was not alone in the original plan, but
Maine was chosen for the start be-
cause Commissioner Buckley made it
possible. Eventually, New Hampshire
and Vermont will organize as Maine
mas organized and then some kind Of
working agreement will be made to
orlng these states all together in the
marketing centers and possibly along
buying lines.
The government at Washington ex-
fends thousands Of collars annually tn
assist agriculture, bu, at the same time
the farmers cannot start a movement
independent Of the government with
out being taxed for every move made.
When the internal revenue tax on the
volume or business transacted was lev
led. the farmers found themselves
taxed in spite of the fact that asri-
cultural societies were exempt. Sew
eral attempts have been made to have
these organizations EXEMPTED but
without results.
In addition to this when the farm
ers tried to buy agricultural lime they
found a war tax confronting them of
about IS per car. This is a tremendous
tax when the value Of the lime is fig
tired. 1t is strange indeed that the gov
eminent while protesting to be anx-
ious to help agriculture will on the
other hand improve every opportunity
TO handicap and discourage the farm
ers in helping themselves.
On Saturday, APR s, the potato sit
aatfon in Boston was not highly en-
couraging TO the farmer who has goods
tn ship. The price on the 7th was s1,r
to s1,12 per bushel delivered, Boston
points, and potatoes were selling from
the stalls in Charlestown at s2.s5 to
A2.45 per bag of two bushels. Forty.
four cars arrived and there were a.
used but there were 1912 cars left ON
The tracks waiting buyers. With 100
cars left the outlook for better nr,ces
This week is not encouraging In spit.
or the railroad embargo fertilizer and
other articles are arriving, showing the
railroads appreciate the necess,ty NJ
getting all goods required to raise the
crops in the hands of the farmers
ready for use when the season ot
planting opens.