328 THE GROUNDSWELL. 



capital seeks accumulation. We desire that this association may 

 dignify and ennoble this most ancient and venerable calling, so that 

 it will have the effect of bringing about a wide diffusion of knowl 

 edge, and increase the general and individual prosperity of our citi 

 zens ; and in proportion as we can have a wider diffusion of knowl 

 edge and elevate that class to which they belong, we believe that it 

 will increase the general prosperity of the whole country. These 

 associations will have the effect, if there be lingering prejudices and 

 asperities engendered in the times past, to smooth them over and 

 cause them to be forgotten. 



&quot;This is one of the grand ideas in my mind it is one of the most 

 pleasant ideas to my mind that it will unite the people of all the 

 sections of this broad land, to consult together as to the material 

 interests of the whole country. 



u And here let me disclaim, as I am familiar with the origin and 

 inception of this movement, that by our unity and concert of action 

 we desire to crush and oppress any interests in this broad land. I 

 recognize them as all important in their places, but we simply wish 

 by unity of action, to promote the paramount interests of this great 

 class which we are here representing. That is the idea that is in 

 tended, as I say, by the wide diffusion of knowledge growing out of 

 the reported practical experiments. All these minor societies, all 

 State societies, will be tributary to this grand National Agricultural 

 Congress, and it will have the effect of spreading through the coun 

 try, more readily, improved implements and methods of recuperation, 

 fertilization and culture. 



&quot; These are some of the ideas we have in coming together. 



&quot;Members of this body, let prudence and caution and wisdom 

 guard all your deliberations. We are not here, as some suppose, to 

 fight railroads. We regard the railroad interests of the country as 

 one of the grand interests of the country. We regard the railroad 

 interests and agricultural, as hinging on each other, and so inti 

 mately connected that one can not be withdrawn without great det 

 riment to the other. Therefore, we want to see the railroad interest 

 cherished in every way ; but we feel that they, as well as middle 

 men who handle our produce, are getting a greater share of the 

 profits than by right they are entitled to. We simply ask and shall 

 endeavor to seek the line of equity as between the true producer and 

 the carrier, and having found that line, we dare maintain our rights. 



