Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-25

ganzed at Brunswick in Feb, 1872 Every
member present was called upon person
ally and the most Of them responded and
the sentiment Of the meeting was unani-
nous on all questions discussed The
Hon. John A. Roberts was the last
speaker and his address was the leading
feature of the meeting. He left no room
for doubt in the minds Of the members as
to the value of the Farmers Union of
Maine and his earnestness brought forth
an enthusiastic response from all pres
ent.
Manager Embree.
Manager Embree said in part:
AS members of one of Names business
organizations we meet in these chambers
today to further perfect our plans and
bring to bear all the enthusiasm and
ability we possess in successfully working
them out. The farmer because of his
isolated position in life is liable to be-
come sufficient unto himself, and there
fore it becomes necessary for him to or
ganize and mingle with his fellow farmer
and learn that it is necessary for COM
munity to prosper before any great pros
perity can come to the individual.
Through the courtesy of his honor, the
mayor of the city of Portland, the men,
bers of the various unions in Westbrook
Biddeford, Eliot. WATERFORD, White Rock.
New Gloucester. Freeport. Bridgton and
Yarmouth are enabled to meet in these
Council chambers, for the purpose Of
getting better acquainted and discussing
plans of vital importance to those who
till the soil. First we desire to hear from
the various business units here represent
RI hat -l,1 iry iv,t 6o tn,
terest of the farm shall better under
stand their viewpoint and be able to
shape our course in accordance with their
wishes. Afterward we will take up the
ACCESSIBILITY of Incorporating an organiza-
ton as a clearing house for the dairy
and the hennery.
The Farmers Union of Maine has never
lost sight of the fact that one Of it's OBJ
jects was to eventually bring about that
which is most earnestly desired. viz
Direct from the producer to the Con-
sumer." This great reform in market
ing could not be brought about by the in
dividual producer, but as an organized
body of earnest men and women it has
become possible. While we have a small
percentage of the producers. of eggs and
milk as members of the organization, we
believe we have developed sufficient
strength to warrant our entering the
business and we further believe that the
| opportune time has arrived and that we
, should take action today by organizing
| and then make sure that success follows
our efforts.
We are now in a position to properly
equip and handle the business and should
we delay six months or year the same
obstacles that some may see now will
still be in our way, therefore there is no
reason why we should delay. I think !
can safely say that the whole executive
board are in favor of making this move
and that you will have their support un-
der any and all conditions.
| The organization had made considerable
Roadway before those who are here today
identified themselves with it and for this
reason 1 feel that 1 should call your at
tention to the rapid growth we have
made. 1t is but little over four years age
that small body of men met at Bruins
wick and organized the Maine Central
Potato Exchange of Brunswick From
Feb. to June, 1912, nine small unions were
formed and on June the 18th of the same
year representatives from these nine 10.
Gals met at Bangor and organized the
State central body known as the Farm
| ers' Union of Maine
We started shipping potatoes lin the
fall of 1912. There was not single house
through which the potatoes could be
worked out therefore we worked from
sidings out in the open. Success attended
our efforts. During the winter we were
able to secure an appropriation from
the Legislature and this enabled us tc
give our attention to further organizing.
We have not the time to enter into de-
tails, but l will call your attention tc
the fact that we can now report 80 local
organizations in existence, q shipping
houses. % grain stores, six grocery
stores. a wholesale grain house, a dis
tributing house in Boston and selling
agency in N. Y. city. Our first years
business amounted to $4,000; End yeal
$4,000, 3rd year 100000, and this year We
expect that our business will exceed thai
amount.
From the start this movement was .ant
is now a truly farmers movement. We
who work for them simply open the door
the farmers entered and brought abou
the grand results concerning which
have spoken. AS we in the past have no
found the farmer backward in graspins
the opportunity, so as we today open tn,
door for them to engage in the milk ant
egg business we expect this opportunit!
will be grasped and worked out success
fully.
The Potato Market.