ASSOCIATION OF FARMERS' CLUBS 497 



partisan ; we have to do with measures and with individuals, not parties. 

 Should there be a disposition to dwai^f this Association by committing it 

 to the advocacy of measures which will be of benefit to the farmers alone, 

 let it be remembered that selfishness is alike destructive of all that is 

 best in the individual or the organization; that classism is of all evils 

 most to be avoided, because it is unjust and because its most baneful 

 inliuence is felt by those whom it purports to benefit. As in the past, 

 so in the future, let us have none of it. Any other policy will surely 

 alienate the sympathy which we now so richly enjoy. 



The most critical period of the life of the individual is when he first 

 becomes conscious of his power. As an association, we stand in that 

 position today, and if we escape error and possible disaster, our motion 

 must be regulated by the balance wheel of conservatism. If our work has 

 thus far been largely experimental, it will be no less so in the future. 

 In vain shall we look to the past for analogies to guide us, for in the 

 rapid evolution of today past conditions, in ensemble, find no repetition. 



The charge of having exceeded his authority in some matters may be 

 truthfully brought against your presiding ofiicer. His only justification 

 is the fact that the results of such transgressions have been of undeniable 

 benefit to the Association. 



The difiiculties attendant upon the present position of the Association 

 are most fully appreciated by those who are giving most thought and are 

 contributing most of time and energy for its success. 



Our last annual meeting demonstrated the fact that this Association 

 can harmoniously discuss questions of such nature as are likely to come 

 before us for d'^termination at this meeting. Your resolutions are but 

 the expressions of your desires; much more important are the plans 

 you make for the purpose of securing a compliance with those requests. 



In the discharge of the duties which devolve upon the presiding officer, 

 I shall doubtless receive the hearty co-operation in all efforts to main- 

 tain that temperance of discussion and courteous observance of indi- 

 vidual rights which should characterize our deliberations. An abiding 

 faith in the wisdom, earnestness and good sense of the delegates here 

 assembled begets a confidence that in your final conclusions there will 

 be found no evidence of that unseemly radicalism which is a hindrance 

 rather than an aid to the equitable adjustment of affairs. 



Mr. Woodbury of the Union Farmers' Club and Mr. Smith of the Grass 

 Lake Club led in the discussion of the president's address. 



Robert Gibbons of Detroit addressed the Association on "Effective 

 Work with the Legislature." He urged the Association to concentrate 

 their efforts on their work. Present only measures of merit, place the 

 bills in the hands of reliable men and appoint men suitable to present 

 the measures to the legislative committees. To go slow but sure, and 

 thereby accomplish what they set out to do. He thought the legislature 

 was oftentimes abused without cause, and told the Association nothing 

 could be gained by smiting the hand they expected to assist them. Legis- 

 lative bodies were only human. He scored the newspapers for unjust 

 and unwarranted assaults on legislative bodies and said their reports too 

 often brought down the wrath of the people on the members of the legis- 

 lature, when if their work and the facts were properly set forth the re- 

 sults would be different. 

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