Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1917-09-07
BIG FARM BODIES UNITE.

From Agricultural Grange News.
Seven big national farm organiza-
ton, representing more than a million
and half farmers, have pooled their
efforts for the purpose of coordinat-
ing the work of the farmer with that
of the nation. Definite form was
given to this work at Washington,
July 20, when recognized farm lead
ers from "a states representing lead
ing American farm organizations met
and formed the federal board of farm
organizations.
Inaugurating and subscribing to
the work of the new organization are
the Farmers Educational Cooperative
Union of America, Pennsylvania Ru-
raj Progress Association, Farmers
National Congress, National Dairy
Union, National Agricultural Organi-
cation Society. National Conference
on Marketing and Farm Credits, and
the National Council of Farmers Co.
operative Association.
The federal board Of farm organi-
cations has come into existence as a
direct result Of the national emer-
gency and the consequent need for a
body to bring the work of the farmer
and of the nation into closer relation.
ship. Formation of this organization
also marks the first time in history
that the big farm organizations of the
country have united to serve the ma.
ton in an hour of great need.
The objects of this new force in
American affairs are: to afford ready
means of giving voice and weight to
the views of farmers in national at
fairs; to conserve and increase the
influence of those who feed the peo-
pie and to further national recogni-
ton of the power and position of the
farmer in national life. and to in
crease the value of the service of the
farmer to the nation, and Of the ma
ton to the farmer.
Since the bringing of several large
bodies together in this way is sure to
meet with many conflicts of policies
and purposes in other matters than
in the objects already stated, the or
ganizers have paved the way for har-
monious action by including in the
objects of the new organization a pro-
vision to the effect that the various
bodies are united for all purposes
upon which they may agree, leaving
each free to take or reject any action
or position upon any question con-
corning which 1t does not agree with
The others. Before any definite stand
Is taken by the federal board of farm
on any question 1t is
also necessary to have the unanimous
agreement of each of the bodies sub
to it.
In the working out Of its purposes
the organization will exercise a close
watch upon congress in all matters
to farm legislation, and to
this end will maintain permanent
headquarters in Washington, includ-
Ing secretary and such other assist
ance as the Office may need. At a
meeting of the executive committee
the formation Of the fed
eral board of farm organization.
Charles w. Holman Of Madison, Wis
consin, was chosen as temporary Sec
rotary. He will open Washington
headquarters at once, which will be |
available for use by all of the farm
organizations subscribing to the new
body.
Officers of tie federal board Of |
farm organizations are to consist of a |
general board, composed of one mem
Der from each farm organization, and
IN executive committee Of five mem
oers chosen by the general board, not
more than two of whom shall be
'hosen from the same organization.
Both the general board and the exec
ltive committee elect their own chair
men. J. H. Kimball, Port Deposit,
Nd, was elected chairman of the
general board and R. F. Bower, of
campbell, Va, secretary.
On the executive committee are
iifford Pinchot, president of the
Rural Progress Asso-
iation; c. S. Barrett, president of
he Farmers Educational and Cooper