THE STORY OF THE NONPARTISAN LEAGUE 



There followed on the pledge these com- 

 ments: 



North Dakota farmers Lose millions of dollars 



EACH YEAR. 



We can save as much of this as our Organization 

 compels the middlemen to give up — the stronger 



WE ORGANIZE THE MORE WE CAN KEEP. 



Therefore, we the undersigned, to secure the enact- 

 ment of such legislation, each pledge ourselves to aid 

 and support the work of organization by paying an 

 amount equal to seventy-five cents per month or nine 

 dollars ^ for one year. This smn to include cost of 

 organization, subscription to Pearson's Magazine and 

 The Nonpartisan Leader (official paper of the Farmers' 

 Nonpartisan PoHtical League) and membership in the 

 League to December 1, 1916. 



It is understood and agreed: first, that the work of 

 organization and investigation herein contemplated is 

 to be carried on by and under the supervision of an 

 executive committee of five men; second, that the mem- 

 bers of this League will use their best efforts to secure 

 the nomination and election of men for office within 

 the state, whom the investigations of this League show 

 by conviction, record and conduct do approve and will 

 support legislation necessary for the purj>oses above 

 expressed. 



This would seem to be about as lucent 

 as plain speech could make it. Also it was 

 about what the average farmer was thinking. 

 Hardly six months had passed before a special 

 campaign was made against it by visitation^ 

 personal efiFort, addresses, and the ceaseless 



^The original dues of six dollars were increased to nine dollars as 

 the work of the League broadened. 



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