TWENTIETH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK- PART VII 575 



policy were adopted, we would get to know something about 

 the matter, but until we do that our case is hopeless. We sim- 

 ply pass resolutions ; we get together and confer and swear at 

 those fellows and swear at the consumers, but we don't do any- 

 thing else, and it doesn't help us in any way or get us anywhere. 

 Our thought has been to pass this matter to the Farm Bureau 

 Federation. They have ample funds to set up a research and 

 statistical department to do this work. I have done enough work 

 with Mr. Wilson, of the packers, to know that they will co- 

 operate with us in getting the data we need. I think we can get 

 such co-operation as we need from all of the packers, for that 

 matter. It is simply a matter of whether we are willing to stand 

 by the guns and spend enough money, by hiring competent men, 

 to have the work done that we admit we cannot do ourselves. 

 That is the only basis that we can use in putting it up to the 

 Farm Bureau Federation. That is the only basis on Avhich w^e 

 ourselves could get results. If we follow that plan, I feel satis- 

 fied that after a year or two we will get together information 

 enough to meet the situation intelligently. The trouble with us 

 is, and always has been, that we wait until the last moment be- 

 fore thinking of preparation, while the packers have been pre- 

 paring for this for two years past. We should have foreseen 

 this situation and gone to work on it two years ago. and if we 

 had we would not be in the position we are now facing. We 

 must look two years ahead instead of two years behind. 



THE SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



This has been the most successful year in the history of the associa- 

 tion, measured by receipts. However, it has not been so successful meas- 

 ured by the work done, in spite of the fact that we have worked harder 

 than ever before. I need not tell you this to convince you that the work 

 of this association under government operation of railroads and under 

 present unsettled conditions has been very difficult indeed. 



Our receipts were $11,548.85; our expenditures were $8,673.58, dis- 

 tributed as follows: 



Bank collection fees $ 151.40 



Annual meeting expenses 101.97 



Directors' expenses 289.34 



Refunds to county associations 154.50 



Expenses of delegates to Washington, etc 432.51 



Stamps, printing annual report, etc 1,271.11 



Bonds for secretary-treasurer 20.00 



American Live Stock Association 20.00 



National board 200.00 



