CHAPTER XXII. 



THE KANSAS FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE ASSO 

 CIATION. 



THE STATE CONVENTION AT TO PER A. 



On the 26th of March, 1873, a mass convention of the 

 farmers of Kansas was held at Topeka, at which was formed 

 the now powerful organization known as the &quot; Farmers Co 

 operative Association of the State of Kansas.&quot; The meet 

 ing originated with the Manhattan Farmers Club, which 

 passed resolutions requesting the Secretary of the State 

 Board of Agriculture, Mr. Alfred Gray, to call a State Con 

 vention, to be composed of delegates from Farmers Clubs. 

 This was done, and, subsequently, the call was enlarged so 

 as to include Farmers Unions, Granges, and other similar 

 organizations. 



While the formal initiatory business of the Convention 

 was being transacted, Mr. Henry Bronson, Dr. Lawrence, 

 and Mr. Van Winkle delivered addresses on the incidents 

 of taxation, and farmers grievances generally. The speaker 

 first mentioned declared that it was because of a false financial 

 system, and a false political system no longer bearable, sad 

 dled on the people, that the farmers have come here to see 

 if they can not be righted. It is useless to say they can do 

 nothing ; for they have the votes and the power, though want 

 of organization has kept them from accomplishing these re- 



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