QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 263 



frequently spend as much money in advertising, traveling rep- 

 resentatives and in other ways to find a market as the goods 

 cost in the first place. Farmers have been spending nothing— 

 simply dumping their fine products, to let them take their 

 chances on prices, and without any regard to their brother 

 farmer's interests. Through cooperation farmers can market 

 their goods much cheaper than can any other class, because 

 there is a natural demand for them. Others must create a 

 demand. 



40. Q. On what does the prosperity of our country depend? 



A. On the farmers. They constitute about half our popula- 

 tion. They are also the greatest consumers. Keep them pros- 

 perous by always getting good prices, as this society proposes, 

 and the country can not have hards times. I am not thoroughly 

 acquainted with European countries, but I think the cause of 

 their depression of business is with the farmers. The Euro- 

 pean farmers are kept down by the competition of this country. 



41. Q. But many of the farmers may not join and thus de- 

 feat your plans. 



A. We will first get the million, and then make it imprac- 

 ticable for the balance to stay out of the society. For instance, 

 we will, first, make it profitable for them to come in ; second, 

 union farmers' products will be marketed in distinguishing 

 packages and under the A. S. of E. label. These goods will be 

 of guaranteed purity and high quality and will be sought after 

 and taken first before the non-union farmers' products will be 

 taken ; also union laborers will buy only the union farmers' 

 products, because the society proposes to make a great demand 

 for labor at good wages. 



42. Q. Tell about the system of crop reporting. 



A. Every member will become a crop reporter. In this way 

 we will have the most complete and reliable reports, quite in 

 contrast with the guessing at the present time. 



43- Q- Who will this movement injure? 



A. No person doing a legitimate business, but will build 

 them all up. 



44. Q. Can this society prevent adulteration of food prod- 

 ucts? 



A. This is one of the chief objects of the society, and when 

 established it can effectually prevent adulteration, by inspection 

 of food products, and by demanding and securing legislation 

 against it. Fraud in food must cease. It is injurious to health, 

 besides reduces the farmer's market to an amazing extent. 



45- Q- Why not have a society for each crop. For instance, 

 grain growers, cattle growers, fruit growers, tobacco growers, 

 cotton growers, etc.? 



A. Quite unnecessary. One national society, with represent- 

 atives from all of these special crops on the national board, 



