60 THE THIRD POWER 



society that knows no state bounds ; one that reaches 

 from one side of the agricultural region to the other ; 

 one that every fanner can join, and be the better for 

 joining. So when we propose to organize and se- 

 cure fair prices for the farmer, it is not simply that 

 he may be benefited, but that all may be benefited, 

 and it has been shown that all would be benefited. 

 To demand more than a fair price would be inequita- 

 ble, and so is not to be thought of. Fair wages for 

 a fair day's work, fair profits for the manufacturer, 

 fair interest for the capitalist, fair prices to the 

 consumers, and fair values for the products of the 

 farm — this is equity. It is important that this 

 should be thoroughly understood. For the attempt 

 will be made, indeed it has already been made, to 

 make it appear that the farmer is proposing to rob 

 others for his own enrichment. This has been the 

 method used by other classes, and it is not surpris- 

 ing that those who have practiced it should think 

 that the farmers are going to adopt it. In fact, un- 

 fairness is so prevalent in commercial enterprises 

 that every movement is looked upon with suspicion. 

 The outsiders begin to look for the hook that will 

 catch them. The golden rule, "Do unto others as 

 you would have them do unto you," is interpreted 

 to-day, "Do him before he has a chance to do you." 

 But it is not so with this society. The name and 

 purpose of the societv alike forbid it. It is an old 

 maxim that those who seek equity should do equity. 

 They are fortunate in being in such a position that 



