STATE ASSOCIATION OF FARMERS' CLUBS 431 



trate our united efforts ou two measures, the Atkinson Equal Taxation 

 Bill and the Kimmis County Salaries Bill. Prior to this year much good 

 work has been done by the clubs in support of these two measures, but the 

 opposition was too strong for us and our efforts were unavailing. I am 

 rejoiced to observe that the results of the late elections are such as io 

 give us great hopes of ultimate success. If these bills do become laws we 

 will not claim all the glory. Other very influential agencies have been 

 at work. We do claim, however, that the Farmers' Clubs have exerted a 

 powerful influence, which has been felt throughout the State. 



While our whole attention should be centered on these two measures 

 and nothing be left undone that can be done to secure their right and 

 equitable settlement_, yet other measures will require our earnest vigilance 

 and prompt action. Let us be wary and ready to act as a unit if occasion 

 demands. 



The public mind is much agitated over our present system of making 

 nominations. It is a lamentable fact that in a majority of cases a few 

 men make our nominations. There are men who make politics their busi- 

 ness and in many instances they are men of low character and highly un- 

 scrupulous. Office seekers with a little of the necessary influence easily 

 secure the cooperation of these political specialists. They sometimes form 

 slates and pledge delegates even before the caucus is held. Thus candi- 

 dates who are the choice of every small faction of the voters of their 

 district get the nomination. 



The importance of attending the primaries has long been felt and urged, 

 but the evil is not abated. The political party too often becomes a ma- 

 chine, in the hands of the political specialist, and is too well manipulated. 

 We all believe in thorough organization, yet it is because the parties are 

 so well organized that this evil exists. We must not forget, however, that 

 organization may become a power for evil as well as for good. 



Thinking minds are casting about for a remedy from this evil which the 

 bosses, through our present system, are enabled to fasten upon us. Dif- 

 ferent ]^lans are proposed^ among them one to make the primaries direct, 

 giving the voters the privilege of voting directly for the candidate of 

 their choice. I have nothing to recommend along this line except vig- 

 ilance, but may the time soon come when the choice of candidates is as 

 free from the dominating influence of the boss and the machine as the 

 choice betw^een candidates has already become through the adoption of 

 the Australian ballot. 



The retail liquor dealers, it is reported, are again ready to introduce a 

 bill in our State Legislature allowing them to keep open on all holidays, 

 except Christmas and Thanksgiving, and on election day after the polls 

 are closed. The liquor traffic is the bane of our government — a hydra- 

 headed monster. Let us see to it that the cords with which we have 

 bound it are tightened, rather than loosened. 



Let us freely discuss, as time will permit, matters that should, or are 

 likely to come up in our legislative halls this winter. It is through our 

 deliberations that a plan of action can be outlined and valuable assist- 

 ance rendered by the clubs. Let us have it distinctly understood that 

 we ask no special favors, but demand our just share of the advantages 

 and privileges of government as well as of its burdens. 



Above all, let us see to it that our objects are right and our demands 



