The producers news. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1918-1937, 1918-11-29
WHO LOST?


the League. 1t must have been
some one else. At any rate it was not
the farmers. Reviewing the situation
briefly, we find the League entered
this campaign two years ago. At
that time we did not hold single Of
flee in the state, so you see, we had
nothing to lose. It is true, we failed
to gain all some Of us had hoped for,
but we did not LOSE. To lose, we
must be worse off than when we start
ed. Are we? If you will look around
you will see the OLD GANG is the
only one that has the right to lay
claim to that distinction.
The League gained over 100 officers
in the state among these officers being
twenty or more legislators and Su-
preme Court Judge. In addition to
this we are starting this next two
years campaign with membership Of
over $4,000, well organized working
force, a knowledge of the state and
numerous other advantages, none of
which we had two years ago.
Attention, Butte Miner, Muscular
and Helena Independent:
We may also serve notice on your
working force, such as mobsters, bar
flies, gunner, stool pigeons, and some
small weekly papers and travelling
men that WE HAVE JUST BEGUN
TO FIGHT.
When anyone ventures the asser-
ton that the farmers are going to
quit, it might be we'll to call to their
attention that they have left US ne
place to quit. When they took away
our right to be patriotic and loyal,
they took away everything else, not
only place to quit but all desire to-
quit. No, the word "QUIT" is not
OURS. They are the central powers
in this battle, ours is the position of.
the allies. We may lose battle, but
we will not lose the war.
In our work during the past two
years we have had to contend with
many abnormal conditions which were
tremendously in the favor Of the op-
position and against us. The first two
years crop conditions were bad, then
followed our entry into the war, and
on top of this the "fu" epidemic, pre-
venting a speaking campaign. This
was followed by a heavy snowstorm
on election day over almost the entire
state preventing at least 10000
League members and 5000 sympa-
thizers from getting to the polls.
These members and sympathizers
would have increased the vote of jean
nette Rankin to approximately 10000
or nearly 20 per cent OF the entire
vote of the state, This is the actual
strength of the League gained in face
of the most tremendous campaign of
Misrepresentation and prejudice to-
gether with extreme abnormal condi-
tons.
So We not only have a start for the
next two years Of 100 elected officials,
$4,000. seasoned troops, and a well or
gained working force with which to
start the next two years campaign.
But on the other hand, we do not an
tlcipate drouth, war. or pestilence
followed by a heavy snowstorm on
election day.
We will also have the marked adj
vantage of it being presidential cleo
ton year with a governor and full
state ticket to elect.
Taking this all into consideration,
We never entered a campaign that
held such promises for the farmers
as does the next two years in the
State of Montana. The many letters
coming into this office assuring us of
the determination of the members to
follow up what they feel to be dis
tInct advantage, runs our enthusiasm
up to near 100 pounds pressure. So
if you feel the same and we believe
you do, we can easily go "over the
top" in 1920.
How many are ready to renew your
pledge "WE'LL STICK?" Have your
answer ready when the organizer
calls.
With pledge of unfailing loyalty.
to you and our cause, I am
Fraternally yours,