THE FARMER'S WAR AGAINST MONOPOLIES. 405 



that we are warranted in asserting that the number of 

 persons engaged in agricultural pursuits and possessing 

 the right of suffrage, is over 4,000,000, or fully one-half 

 of the entire voting population of the Republic. We 

 see no reason to distrust this estimate. It appears fair, 

 and though we have no definite returns to offer upon 

 this head, we are sure that we are very near the actual 

 truth in placing the voting strength of the farming 

 classes at one-half of that of the entire country. 



Now if this be true, it needs no argument to prove to 

 the farmers of this country that they possess the power 

 as well as the right to remedy the grievances of which 

 they complain. Four millions of voters united in a 

 common cause, and seeking the triumph of a common 

 principle, are capable of accomplishing anything. But 

 they must be united. There must be no divisions 

 among them ; no quarrelling over petty issues. The 

 great objects for which they strive must be first achieved, 

 and minor differences settled afterwards. 



What can be more important to the farmer than the 

 cause of his own independence, his redemption from his 

 slavery to the monopolies that have wronged him so 

 deeply, and robbed him so thoroughly? State and 

 Federal legislation can be so thoroughly controlled by 

 this powerful army of voters, that no unjust or burden- 

 some law can be enacted to their disadvantage, the 

 repeal of those of which they complain can be effected, 

 and the passage of such as are necessary to the inaugu- 

 ration of an era of justice and equality secured. 



It will be a great and a glorious revolution, and it will 

 be peaceful. There will be no strife, no bloodshed, no 

 ruined homes, no starving widows and orphans to cast 

 their reproaches upon the men who undertake the 



