New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-10

a crusade only there was no office grabbing.
Our ideal is to abolish partisan politics, and
our Speaker, our Governor and our Legisat-
ure are with US. 4 better definition OF the
Farmers Non Partisan League is "a farmers
league to stand by friends of good government,
no matter what party they are in" close
analysis Of tie vote reveals a true desire to
solve the economic problem OF distribution. The
high cost Of living hits the producer and con-
sumer alike Food gamblers make more than
the farmer But the farmer is no hog-he
realizes that the consumer must be treated
white and he agrees TO work with the con
sumer. To bring the prices down by eliminat-
ing the middleman gambler will also bring the
prices up for the farmer. That means fifty
fifty break with the producer. We want to
bring New Zealand into our Northwest States,
where both consumer and producer are treated
alike.
We work with organized labor in the cities,
and both of us make concessions. a still closer
analysis Of TIE vote reveals this also The
farmer has served notice on the corporations
that they must keep out Of politics and stop
pouting the civic stream. One corporation In
our state has played the political game 50 that
it pays only $11G0O taxes where it ought TO
pay 100000 The spectators and the insur-
ance agents, with the railroads and the Hog
Trust, have been guilty Of many raw deals to
save taxation. We serve notice on these gen.
tlcmen that if they wan TO play the game fair.
we play it fair. II they want to put money
and brains on the market, we can do the same,
but this wholesale buying of legislators and
franchises must stop. And stop it will, for we
farmers mean business.
We do not expect to disintegrate, for we are
organized from the ground up. Our farmers
in North Dakota are now rapidly recognizing.
The farmers league books are audited by out
side auditors Our officers receive good pay
but they are also under promise not to receive
political appointment or seek Office.
"On to Washington" is our battle cry. We
are already organized in four States-North
Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Minnesota
Our head Office has been transferred TO st.
Paul. We realize that this interstate move
ment means the balance Of power at Washing
ton. twenty-five legislators and half dozen
fighting Senators would certainly put monkey
wrench in the machinery Of monopoly at Wash
Rfts4+a4--'-
Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming and Kansas. These
Northwest farmer states are full of fighting
men. An interstate convention will soon be
called. Congressman will be Endorsed who have
been fighting for good government. The traders
and corporation lawyers will be asked to stay
at home. This non-partisan movement means
-partsanshp in Congress, also, when it
comes TO fighting for good men. What ire
mendous factor our farmers league will be at
the next Presidential election, when we serve
notice on Wall Street men to keep hands off
Progressive legislation is coming as a matter
Of necessity. Progressive leaders shall be our
leaders; and this Interstate Farmers Non. Par
tisan League movement is one Of the greatest
means for the spreading of aggressive. pro-
gressive sentiment that this country has ever
seem We do not prophecy much, but we do
say Watch US grow in numbers and in
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