FARMERS TO THE FRONT 133 



a political party. But it is intended to secure, 

 through already existing parties, laws in the interest 

 of agriculture. Though legislation is not the first 

 thing sought, nor the most important thing, legis- 

 lation is nevertheless needed. The reason that it 

 has not been secured is that the politicians, though 

 prolific in promises, when seeking election, forget all 

 about the farmers when they get to Washington. 

 They quickly fall under other influences. More- 

 over, they know that the farmers are easily put off; 

 that they do not persist in the pursuit of their aims, 

 and that when election day comes round again they 

 may be trusted to support the party, readily accept- 

 ing excuses and trusting to new promises. Nor are 

 the farmers adequately represented in Congress by 

 men of their own class. Thus they are largely with- 

 out influence in shaping legislation. Until they are 

 in a position, through cooperation, to secure what 

 they want, progress will be slow. With the Ameri- 

 can Society of Equity a success, all these things can 

 be rapidly accomplished. 



It is not necessary to set out here all that the coun- 

 try needs in the way of legislation. But some things 

 may be mentioned. Possibly the first and most im- 

 portant thing is some lightening of the burden of 

 taxation; and this also implies less extravagance 

 with the people's money, less graft, rake-offs and 

 boodle, or, in short, the money wisely and econom- 

 ically expended, when we will see greater results 

 with less tax. The farmer is taxed on everything 



