TWENTIETH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART V 487 



we would go a long way to help him in his legitimate claims; but when 

 that man will ignore the rights of independent individuals to the extent 

 of causing physical discomfort and immense financial losses, we simply 

 say that he is going too far. There must be some other way to settle 

 these things. Hence, personally I have no hesitation in saying that we 

 stand for an anti-strike, compulsory arbitration method of such wisdom 

 as we may be able to devise in order to make forever impossible such 

 a calamity as we have seen in the last few weeks. 



As farmers we have suffered untold millions of loss just because 

 two parties, with whom we have no influence and with whom we have 

 nothing to do and in whose quan-el we have no interest, are scrapping. 

 We stood the briint. I am certain that the loss to the farming community 

 and the consumer together would far exceed the combined loss of the 

 operator and the miner. So I say we stand for compulsory arbitration 

 and anti-strike legislation worked out in as fair and equitable way as 

 human brains and disinterested men can work it out. 



I have one criticism. Criticism, you know, may and should be, kind. 

 We have among our Farm Union men, unfortunately, some who are not 

 very favorable to the Farm Bureau movement. But I don't believe it is 

 representative. It might be in some localities but it is exceptional. 

 That is not altogether the fault of the Farm Union man, for I believe 

 you will pardon m6 if I say there has in rare instances been a little 

 provocation that caused it. There have been unwise acts, perhaps, on 

 both sides. It would be strange indeed if we could get as many men 

 working together as we did in the Farmers' Union and the Farm Bureau 

 and not have a few radicals. But we must not condemn all for the acts 

 of a few. It is not representative of the body itself. 



Personally I have none of it. I have worked in a farm bureau as long 

 as there has been a farm bureau in our county. I am there now and 

 expec*^ to stay there because I believe it is right. Whatever we do let's 

 work together and not get apart. We have all to gain and nothing to 

 lose. I cannot see where there need be any quarrel between us. I 

 cannot see where there need be any lost motion between us. 



There are other questions I would like to talk about. A number have 

 asked me to express our attitude on the co-operation of the Farmers' 

 Union. I believe I have done that. But I'll say this: I think you will 

 find a majority of the Farmers' Union men ready to co-operate at any 

 time. I think the majority will drop into your line of work. I think I 

 know the sentiment of our state board. I believe I know the sentiment 

 of our state officers, and I am sure you will meet with no difficulty there. 

 All we ask is that we be given credit for being honest in the matter and 

 trying to do the right. I believe in the course of time, if wisdom is used, 

 that we can walk side by side, unite our interests and pull together 

 where we have common interests. 



