No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 79 



We must always bear in luind that no one, by becoming a Patron of 

 Husbandry, gives up tliat inalic'nable right and duty which belongs 

 to every American citizen, to take a proper interest in the politics of 

 his country. 



On the contrary, it is right for every member to do nil in his power 

 legitimately to influence for good the action of any political party 

 to which he belongs. It is his duty to do all he can in his own party 

 to put down bribery, corruj)tion and trickery; to see that none but 

 competent, faithful and honest men, who will unflinchingly stand by 

 onr interests, are nominated for all positions of trust; and to have 

 carried out the jiriuciple which should always characterize every 

 Patron, that the office should «eek the man, and not the man the of- 

 fice. 



We acknowledge the broad principle that dilTerence of opinion is 

 no crime, and hold that "progress toward truth is made by difference 

 of opinion," while ''the fault lies in bitterness of controversy." 



We desire proper equality, equity and fairness; protection for the 

 weak, restraint upon the strong, and in short, justly distributed bur- 

 dens and justly distributed power. These are American ideas, the 

 very essence of American independence, and to advocate to the con- 

 trary is unworthy of the sons and daughters of the American Re- 

 public. M"; ]H'i 



We cherish the belief that sectionalism is, and of right should be, 

 dead and buried with the past. Our work is for the present and 

 future. In our agricultural brotherhood and its purposes, we shall 

 recognize no North, no South, no East, no West. 



It is reserved by every Patron, as the right of a freeman, to aflfiliate 

 with any party that will best carry out his principles. 



OUTSIDE CO-OPERATION. 



(). Our being peculiarly a farmers' institution, we cannot admit 

 all to our ranks. 



Many are excluded by the nature of our organization, not because 

 they are professional men, or artisans, or laborers, but because thet 

 have not a sufficient direct interest in tilling the soil, or may havi 

 some interest in conflict with our purposes. But we appeal to al 

 good citizens for their cordial co-operation to assist in our effor1« 

 towards reform, that we may eventually remove from our midst th 

 the last vestige of tyranny and corruption. 



We hail the general desire for fraternal harmony, equitable com 

 promise, and earnest co-operation, as an omen of our future success. 



CONCLUSION. 



7. It shall be an abfding principle with us to relieve any of ob 

 oppressed and suffering brotherhood by any means at onr commani 



