824 TRANSACTIONS OP THE 



earnest men, and to derive new inspiration for the labors of every 

 day life. 



No doubt we are indebted to the centuries of the past for much 

 that is valuable to our social and political life, but from the superior 

 agricultural implements, the extraordinary diversity of industrial 

 products, the multiplicity of labor-saving contrivances, the wonder- 

 ful explorations of the laws and mysteries of nature that have char- 

 acterized this age, we must conclude that humanity has begun a new 

 existence, and that, in order to maintain an honorable position in 

 societj^, we must counsel with the ever-living present, and not refuse 

 to adopt what the experience of others recommends as worthy of trial 

 and confidence. We may entertain the highest respect for opinions 

 that have come down to us from antiquity, and for methods of indus- 

 try that are the heirloom of the ages, but in order to reap a measure 

 of success commensurate with our ability we must recognize the fact 

 that this is a progressive age, with new ideas, with bold methods and 

 original purposes. It is a sufficient cause for congratulation that a 

 belief in the necessity of culture to prepare the individual for agri- 

 cultural pursuits has become almost universal. And as an evidence 

 of modern progress, we may refer to the establishment and support 

 of schools splendidly equipped and with able instructors, devoted 

 exclusively to the interests of the soil. That no special instruction 

 is needed for that pursuit upon which we are all so dependent, is 

 accepted as the gibberish utterance of a spirit of inanition and deca- 

 dence to which all progress and improvement are hostile. The farm- 

 ers are fortunately beginning to realize the importance, not only of 

 striving to avail themselves directly of the advantages of education, 

 but also of demanding that recognition by the Government to which 

 the importance of their calling entitles them. As a favorable omen 

 for the future of our country, let us remember the attitude towards 

 social and political questions that the agriculturists are beginning to 

 assume. These " solid citizens," who are the bone and sinew of the 

 land, are beginning to ask, as if they intended their petition to be 

 heard, not only that a part of the immense revenue of this country 

 shall be expended directly in their interests, but that the legislative 

 and executive functions of the Government shall be exercised for 

 their protection against the unjust exactions of large aggregations of 

 capital and strong combinations of capitalists. 



But our industrial classes, to succeed as they deserve, must learn the 

 lesson of cooperation. They must learn to use their powerful influ- 

 ence in molding public sentiment, and in directing the legislation 

 of the country. Heretofore, just prior to elections, they have been^the 

 recipients of much attention and flattery from prospective office- 

 holders, but it is a truth generally recognized, that the claims of those 

 representing the best interests are too frequently subordinated to the 

 selfishness and rapacity of the unscrupulous minority. There must 

 be something grievously wrong in society, when it is possible for an 

 organization, whether called a board of trade, stock exchange, or des- 

 ignated by some other appellation, to absorb the profits of the pro- 

 ducer, and to harass the consumer, without regard to the law of 

 supply and demand. A writer in the North American Review has 

 said, "The manufacture of prices, like other modern industries, is 

 being concentrated into vast establishments which are passing under 

 the rule of bosses and syndicates. The markets, like political parties, 

 are run by the machine. The people are losing the power of making 



