CHAPTER XVIII 



AN American orator once spoke of " that corporate 

 courage which drives the coward to a valorous deed." 

 By the same token, we have in this country to-day a 

 corporate cowardice which prompts men to stand 

 aghast at the criticism of any public man, no odds how 

 inefficient; or a suggested change or betterment of any 

 measure, no odds how ineffective; and they are ready 

 to cry out, " Disloyal, etc." when constructive sug- 

 gestions are made by the most loyal citizens. Among 

 these good citizens are scattered the worst enemies of 

 the republic profiteers, grafters and men who re- 

 joice at everything that tends to defeat the nation's 

 purpose in this great struggle for human liberty. 



This influence is apparent in nearly every gathering 

 of farmers. To illustrate: In a state meeting of 

 farmers at Omaha, some months ago, it was admitted 

 that following the price fixing of wheat, the acreage of 

 winter wheat sown in the State was reduced to 25 

 per cent, below the normal average. A resolution was 

 suggested, calling the attention of Congress to the fact 

 that the low price fixed upon wheat was so out of 

 proportion to the price of other commodities cotton, 

 labor, etc., that it would result in reduced production 

 of that cereal, just at a time when war necessities must 

 greatly increase the demand. This suggestion was met 

 with shouts, insinuating lack of patriotism, etc., and a 



87 



