164 THE FOGY DAYS AND NOAV J 



world. He ought to be an expert even on the rostrum, for I 

 believe the time is not far distant when he will control this 

 great government. lie holds the balance of power in his bal- 

 lot, has the biggest share of brains, and only needs the culture. 

 Cultivate him and he will take his true position in the world, 

 and then he will frame laws to protect himself, and advance 

 the cause of agriculture, and wrest from the cormonants of the 

 country his rights, which so long have been trampled upon, 

 drive the money grabbers from their high places, and save the 

 people from the avaracious craws of the few, and then the 

 laboring masses will get their dues. 



Mr. President, I feel like I believe it will not be long till the 

 daylight will begin to dawn on the tiller of the soil. I believe 

 the farmers of this country will rise in their might, and claim 

 their own. I think I can discern the first rays of the morning 

 light, the herald of the coming sunshine, and if we live a few 

 years longer, Mr. President, we may see it rise in its radiant 

 glory, and our chidren may see it ascend higher in the horizon 

 of intelligence to its noon -tide splendor, till its fructifying in- 

 fluence shall make the world better and happier. But a short 

 time since we first heard of the grange, and even now the 

 name is scarcely familiar to our ears. Their power unknown 

 to themselves — a power, though in its infantile experience and 

 ignorance, that is yet shaking with the sound of its voice the 

 very heart of this corrupt government. May God give wisdom 

 to the laborers and grant that their combination and honest 

 efforts may prove an ocean of blessings to this country. I 

 know, sir, we must expect our share of the ills of life. Dark 

 ness has hovered over our recent pathway, but I believe if we 

 will have it so, there is a better day coming, bless the Lord. 

 Let us only be true to ourselves, and we shall bring the world 



