THE &soLtmotfs ; ETC. 359 



Resolved, That experience has proved that freight by water is the 

 cheapest, and we most respectfully ask that Congress, in order to re 

 lieve us of our burdens, speedily take measures to open water routes 

 from the Mississippi to the seaboard. 



Resolved, That to lessen the burdens of transportation is, as far as 

 possible, to do without transportation, and therefore we ask and urge 

 our people to do all in their power to create and sustain by their pat 

 ronage home manufactures. 



Resolved, That we hail with pleasure the prospect of the early com 

 pletion of the double-track Continental Freight Railway from the city 

 of New York to Omaha, which promises that grain shall be trans 

 ported over said railway at a cost not exceeding eight mills per ton 

 per mile. 



Resolved, That debt should ever be held as one of our greatest ene 

 mies ; that it deprives us of manliness, and in a measure makes us 

 slaves ; that to live within our means, however small, and to pay as 

 we go, will contribute to our success. Recognizing the fact that the 

 people are in earnest, we would urge them to free themselves of this 

 curse, so that, if a final struggle must come between the people and 

 monopoly, our houses may be in order, and we the better able to 

 withstand it. 



Resolved, That no one industry can be protected by legislation, ex 

 cept at the expense of all other industries, and that we are opposed 

 to all special legislation. 



Resolved, That we recommend the thorough organization of the 

 farmers of the country in local, county, and State organizations, for 

 the purpose of reforming the great abuses now existing, and dealing 

 out equal justice to all men. 



Considerable discussion arose on the adoption of the reso 

 lutions. The preamble and first resolution were adopted 

 without remarks. 



The transportation clause was the occasion of a spirited de 

 bate, in which Mr. Morton, of Nebraska, Mr. H. C. Wheeler, 

 of Illinois, Mr. Beman, of Iowa, and other delegates partici 

 pated. The debate showed the Convention to be divided in 

 opinion in respect tq this question. Finally, a substitute, as 

 follows, was adopted : 



