510 HISTORY OF THE GRANGE MOVEMENT; OR, 



5. That no industry can be protected save at the expense of all other indus- 

 tries, and that all special legislation is wrong. 



6. That the farmers should organize throughout the country to secure reform 

 of abuses and equal justice for all. 



The Minnesota farmers, at their convention, at 

 Owatonna, September 2d, 1873, adopted the following 

 platform : 



Whereas, The leading issues that have hitherto divided the people of this 

 country in political parties have ceased to exist, and it is unwise to seek to 

 continue the old party organization now that new and momentous questions 

 have arisen ; and 



Whereas, The principal question now demanding consideration is that in- 

 volving the privileges and powers of corporations as antagonizing with and 

 operating in opposition to the well-b,eing of the people ; and 



Whereas, We, the farmers, mechanics, and laborers of Minnesota, deem the 

 triumph of the people in this contest with monopolies essential to the perpetua- 

 tion of our free institutions and the promotion of our private and national 

 prosperity; and 



Whereas, In addition to this, and to the honest and economical administra- 

 tion of the Government, we recognize no party distinctions nor political issues 

 now before the country as worthy of more than minor consideration ; be it 

 therefore 



Resolved, First: That the purpose of all proper government is the promotion 

 of the welfare of the entire people, and that therefore the conduct of any 

 citizen, association, or copartnership, whether chartered or otherwise, which 

 may operate to the prejudice of this general welfare, is antagonistic to the true 

 objects of our Government, and violative of the fundamental principles upon 

 which all correct law is based. 



Second : That we recognize no political party nor individual aspirant for 

 office as worthy of our support, unless it or he will unite with us in declaring 

 that the Government cannot alienate its sovereignty either in whole or in part 

 to any person, association, or corporation for any purpose whatever, but such 

 are always and must forever remain subject to the sovereign authority and 

 control of the Government. 



Third : That we will not aid in elevating any man to any important public 

 position whatever who will either deny or object to the exercise by the 

 Legislature of the power to reverse or annul at any time any chartered privi- 

 lege or so-called vested right or any privilege claimed to be involved in 

 any charter to any corporation, railroad, or otherwise, which experience 

 has shown is or may be exercised by such corporation or by other similar 

 corporations to the detriment of the public welfare ; and that we will demand 

 from every candidate for a high executive, legislative, or judicial position 

 to whom we accord our support that he shall pledge himself to recognize 



