CHAPTER VI 



THE FARMER IN POLITICS 



Some attention has been paid already in these 

 pages to the political activities of the organized 

 farmers. We have seen how in the early days 

 of Ontario development men came up from the 

 land to take counsel together on public questions, 

 and then we have noted the gradual disappear- 

 ance of rural leaders. From time to time fitful 

 attempts to regain position were made, attempts 

 successful for the moment but soon dissolving, 

 only to be followed by periods of deeper lethargy. 

 Of all these attempts none has proved more 

 vigorous nor more enduring than the U.F.O. in 

 which the old parties see such a powerful rival. 

 We are now to give some fuller consideration to 

 the political aspect of the movement. 



1 'Farmers in Politics" has become a favorite 

 subject for discussion. It carries with it a 

 strange appeal for the average citizen, especially 

 if he be a farmer. Every day some ingenious 

 editor is offering an explanation for its fascina- 

 tion but very often he shoots wide of the mark. 

 Were not farmers always in Ontario politics? 

 Assuredly, but in what capacity? They 



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