Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-01-27
THE CANADIAN PLAN

A great work of organization has been going on
among the farmers Of the northwestern Canadian prov
ihces' no less than among those of the American north
"est' but with the rather striking difference that while
the work on this side of the line has been almost entirely
OF a political character, that in Canada has been econ
omic in character: There is the further difference grow
ing out Of this that while the movement on this side of
the line. after several years activity, and the expendi-
ture OF some millions of dollars Of the farmers money,
:'at in Canada has for some time been showing results
Of practical nture which are eminently satisfactory to
the farmers interested.
The Canadian farmers have not sought the aid of
the government for the promotion. of the business enter
prizes which they desired. further than to ask for and
receive. from time to time, legislation which would facl-
itate the operation of the agencies which they had estaJ.
lshed for themselves with their own money. And
through these agencies, which are of a purely co-operat-
i've character, and are financed solely by the members,
they have built and are operating their own great term
inal elevator facilities: they control the handling of their
own grain from the farm to the Great Lakes; they have
established purchasing agencies which work in harmony
With local trade establishments instead of in hostility
toward them; and they have actually done for themselves
many OF me Things which our farmers have been taught
to believe that the government should do for them.
Ihere appeared recently in the Country Gentleman
a series OF articles descriptive Of the Canadian cooper
alive organizations, the most important of which 10 ,ne
United Grain Growers, Limited, which includes the bulk
OF the farming population in Manitoba and Alberta, and
of the federated cooperative Societies, of Saskatchewan,
In the closing article, which was published on January
: an official Of the Grain Growers society is quoted as
to some OF the differences between his society and the
Nonpartlsan league, which, .as is well known, started a
Canadian organization work on ambitious lines hut
which met with practically no success except in Alberta
where an element Of wisdom in the local leadershin
caused a marked modification Of league methods and
policies as we on this side Of the line have known them.
There are. according to this official. 1900 local units of
his great society, with membership ranging from Is to
ocratic basis, the local societies electing delegates to a
open discussion and the open election of officers. The
onlclal points out that whereas the Nonpartisan league
lis directed from the top down, the Canadian movement
is governed from the bottom up Further he makes
the distinction that while we elect our officers. the Non.
partisan league has its officers thrust upon it. Further
more, while the Canadian movement works in full pub
Lefty, and makes complete reports Of its financial OPERA
tons. the Nonpartisan league publishes no financial he-
ures and gives no accounting for the money that rolls
into headquarters. You look in vain in the leagues ono
ial organ for the annual statements of finances such as
are given in the. Grain Growers Guide, which cover
every operation Of our companies and associations.
In short, the farmers Of northwestern Canada, are
doing what The Herald has maintained the farmer. OF
North Dakota could do IL they chose, and which Il has
oeheVed 1t to be to their advantage to do. without plac-
ing themselves. body and soul, in the hands Of A.. {.
Townley, and then waiting for him to work miracles for
tAsa.