EIGHTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART III. 153 



me what is the cause of these bad sores, these cancerous growths on 

 our industrial life? Now, while we are digging down deep into all 

 the filth and mire we have uncovered the past few years, let us get 

 down to the cause, if we can. It may hurt some, but in the long 

 run it is best. If one of your children should develop a persistent 

 hacking cough, would 3^ou be content to give it an occasional dose 

 of soothing syrup ? No ; you would want to get to the seat of the 

 trouble and remove the cause, if you could. 



A few months ago I was walking down one of your streets with a 

 representative of one of our large western railroads, and in the 

 course of our conversation, I happened to make the remark, that 

 there would probably be considerable rate legislation during the next 

 few years. His reply was terse and to the point. He said: "That 

 will all blow over in three or four years ; these things come and go 

 in bunches, like the measles." That remark presents the gravest 

 problem. Why is it that nothing is accomplished except in the 

 midst of a wide-spread agitation ? The same thing that is happen- 

 ing to-day happened away back in the Grange times, and it hap- 

 pened again in the 80 's; and if my friend's prophecy is true, it 

 won't happen very much longer now, but will come back some time 

 later. 



Why is it that nothing can be accomplished except in times of 

 agitation ? Where is the defect in our present system ? At present 

 there are two agencies you resort to to protect your interests ; one is 

 the voluntary association, and the other your railroad commissions. 

 Voluntary associations are splendid ; they have done some magni- 

 ficent work; their mission is fully vindicated by the work of the 

 Com Belt Meat Producers' Association. 



The efforts of a voluntary association which seeks to act for vast 

 numbers, is generally spasmodic in its activity. While interest is 

 intense, men will join ; they will attend meetings a few times and 

 pay a few dollars, and then they will let their membership lapse. 

 You are all acquainted with that situation in your various com- 

 munities. It is unfortunate, but it is human nature. Then is it 

 just to let the burden rest upon the few? Nine-tenths of the 

 farmers leave this matter to the state. We are organized into what 

 we call a government. They think it is the place of the state and 

 national government to correct and care for such things. 



Why is it nothing is done except by agitation ? Agitation is un- 

 desirable ; it unsettles business, makes panics and financial troubles 

 right along, year after year. I could never pose as a reformer. 

 Reform is better than standing still; but progress from year to 

 year is better than reform. 



