Fayetteville Observer

Farmers' Granges, etc.

For the Fayetteville Observer.

Mr. N. O. Wallace—Dear SIR:—If you will allow me a little space in your valuable paper, I will offer a few suggestions to my brother farmers.

I have been watching for some time with great anxiety (though silently) the great uprising of the masses in the northwest on the subject of Agriculture, and the rights of that class who have to produce food and raiment to feed the world—that class on whose prosperity all mankind are dependent. I say I have been watching this movement with a great deal of interest, fearing a failure, knowing from experience that it is next to impossible to get the mass of agriculturists to cooperate in any measure (however beneficial it may be to themselves) from the fact that their isolated condition makes it inconvenient for them to act in concert. But when we contemplate the great interests at stake we should not be deterred by trifles.

But will it succeed? I think it will. A just cause is bound to succeed ultimately, if its advocates are earnest in their efforts.

We have the Agricultural Congress, the Farmers' Club, the Patrons of Husbandry and last though not least, The Rural Sun. all working to the same great end. These are powerful agencies and are terribly in earnest.

In view of all this, what will old Lincoln do? That's the point.

Shall we fold our arms and let the golden opportunity pass unimproved, or shall we bare our breasts like men and assist our struggling brethren in contending for rights long denied us. I for one am willing to assist in the good work.— Though feeble, I am willing to contribute my mite. I don't wish to be understood as waging war on any other branch of business; all I ask is that the farmers (the most numerous class) have an equal chance with other interests. An open field and a fair fight is all the farmers claim.—

All other callings have their organizations, their rules and regulations, and why not the farmers as well. I offer these suggestions for the consideration of my brother farmers, with the hope that others more competent than myself will take up the subject and stir up our lukewarm friends to do something.

Mr. Editor, I have extended this article much beyond what I intended, but when I contemplate the great interests involved, I am constrained to say something to stimulate, if possible, our agricultural friends to assert their rights. Speak out, farmers; what shall we do?

L.L. STONE.

Norris Creek, May 26, '73