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CO-OPERATION. 
The subject of co-operation for the remedy of evils aiflicting agricul- 
ture is presented in the following jextracts : 
Richland, Ohio— We know of no better way, and, indeed, there seems to be no choice 
left us but to meet intellectual force with intellect, combination with combination, 
and plot’ with counter-plot. Every trade, art, and profession (except farming) is 
combined ; and though the segregated location of our rural population is a powerful 
drawback to our movements in this direction, yet with us it is combination or annihi- 
lation. What we need is, first, light for the millions. Then we want action in the right 
direction, action for the development of the head as well as hand, combined action, 
mutual and determined. 
Owen, Ind.—Co-operation among farmers for their benefit has never been, nor will 
be, secured in this country while they are led by politicians wanting their votes 
from purely selfish motives. Again, we as a class know too much individually to feel 
the necessity of acting together. 
Wood, Ohio.—With the present low prices of grain, and high rates of transportation, 
the producers will be compelled either to abandon their farming business, or to form 
co-operative societies in every county, with a central head in each State, to obtain and 
disseminate information in regard to all crops, the probable demand for the same, &c. 
Also, to use some effort to counteract the influence of the immense combinations 
formed against the producing classes. 
Brooke, W. Va.—Their produce has to pass through so many hands before the 
consumer gets it that the farmers get much less, and the consumer has to pay much 
more, than the value. For instance, fat cattle are sold to drovers for 4 cents per pound ; 
the drovers sell to the butchers at 6 to 7 cents per pound, and the butchers sell to the 
citizens at 16 to 20 cents. 
Seneca, N. Y.—In that word combination is embodied the chief cause of discour- 
agement ta the American farmer. Combinations to force up prices of labor, of manu- 
factured articles, of interest on money, of salaries. Combinations to force down the 
price of farm products, to lay upon the farmer the whole cost of transportation. Com- 
binations to exempt personal property from taxation; and combinations to steal the 
nation’s purse after the Credit Mobilier fashion. ; 
Jefferson, W. Va.—The best form of co-operation would be for farmers to com- 
bine and send farmers to Congress and the State legislatures, instead of so many 
lawyers and small politicians as are now put into such positions. This was fully 
illustrated in the late constitutional convention of this State, where there were thirty- 
four lawyers in a membership of seventy-eight, end we got a constitution made for the 
especial benefit of lawyers. 
Sumner, Tenn.—They cannot feel encouraged to see other interests grow strong by 
reason of their close organization and extended combinations, while they, separated, 
spread out over a world of territory, must meet these combinations, backed by all the 
power that legislation can afford them. How this can be remedied is with us a most 
vexed question. Many there are who favor as thorough organization by counties, 
States, and national as is possible for so numerous a class, giving to the great central 
organization such powers as will make itself felt in the legislation of our country, and 
also exert its influence upon all other organizations and combinations. 
Shelby, Ky.—Well-organized farmers’ clubs in every agricultural district of the 
country, with an annual congress composed of one delegate from each club, would 
have a tendency to counteract to some extent the discouraging influence that now 
threatens to overthrow the best interests of agriculture. By this plan the voice of the 
farmer would be heard in the councils of the nation, their claims considered, and their 
grievances adjusted. Scattered, as they are, over a large expanse of country, without 
organization or co-operation, they feel themselves powerless to counteract any in- 
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finence that is now working detrimental to their interest. ‘In unity there is strength,” _ 
is a maxim felt and acted upon by every class of the community, save the farmer, who, 
by force of circumstances, plods along the pathway of life unaided and alone, a prey 
to every combination to feed and fatten upon his labor. 
Rush, Ind—And nothing short of a general organization of clubs as seconds to a 
close national organization, working in unison, will be effective. Numerically he has 
the power—only teach the will to act prudently in defense of his rights. ; 
Calhoun, Mich.—Your correspondent has little faith in any form of co-operation or 
combination, except such as shall unite the surplus accumulations of the farmer and 
the business man in the erection and operation of such manufacturing establishments 
as will supply the community with indispensable articles of daily use and neces- 
sity,'and thus save to the community the enormous tax they now pay to railroads 
for freight and to middle-men and manufacturers for profits upon such articles. For, 
while we now only furnish the raw material at a trifle above cost, not only would this 
vast expense be avoided, but the secondary effect wonld be scarcely less important in 
