Charlotte Home And Democrat

Congressman Herbert, of Alabama, on the free ship bill. I wish to God the farmers of this country had it in their power to combine: had it in their power to bring to bear their influence to secure their rights against these powerful combinations, which seek to dictate to Congress what laws they shall pass. But after all, Mr. Speaker, they have that power, if they would only exercise it. They have only to combine at the polls with other classes of consumers of manufactured merchandise and elect representatives who will protect their rights. They have the power to do it; and if the farmers of the west would only lay aside those prejudices that have in times past bound them to the protectionists, then, through their representatives here, they would command legislation that would be just and fair, legislation that would not take money out of the pockets of some and put it in the pockets of others.