THE FARMERS' CONGRESS. 301 



for the grand work it is now doing. Since the only literature relating to 

 this Congress now remaining consists of a few addresses made by me, 

 while its president, I trust the reader will pardon my reference to them. 

 As they show the trend of thought at that time, I will call attention to a 

 few extracts : 



At the Nashville meeting, in 1884 : 



" I congratulate you upon the increased interest, everywhere manifested by intel- 

 ligent agriculturists, in the general policy of our State and national governments, in 

 its broad relations to their own great calling." 



" When we say that we mean to be heard with respect and attention by our own 

 representatives, who hold their seats by our suffrage, let it be plainly understood we 

 mean what we say." 



" If it be made necessary, our candidates will be found opposing those of both 

 parties, and of all parties opposed to our vital interests; for we mean to have our 

 rights under our own government." 



" We meditate no war on any of the great industries of the people; neither upon 

 manufacturers, nor mining, nor transportation, nor commerce, nor any pursuit or 

 business by which honest people earn bread. God forbid ! When the farmer meets 

 the mechanic, let him take him by the hand and hail him as a brother; shoulder to 

 shoulder let them take their stand against unequal and unjust taxation in every form; 

 against monopoly, the common oppressor of all." 



" Whatever hurtfully touches any of the great employments of the great armies of 

 bread-winners of the land injures and hinders each and all." 



" The proposition was urged upon Congress by the chairman of your committee, 

 viz. : ' to create a Department of Agriculture.' This proposition was received with 

 contempt and sneers. We will not bow down nor worship whatever political fetich 

 they may choose to set up for us. We who are a clear majority of the voters of the 

 Union choose to decide for ourselves whether we will have a Department of Agricult- 

 ure. It is for our representatives to obey the command of their constituents, and 

 not to set up their judgment contrary to the instructions of the people." 



" Farmers and mechanics, laborers and producers of every class, brothers in a 

 common cause, let us stand as one man to oppose corruption and monopoly and 

 oppression, in whatsoever form they come, by whatsoever name they may be called, 

 whatsoever disguise they may assume. Organize ! I beg you, organize ! Without 

 organization you cannot cope with the trained legions of monopoly. Organize ! 

 organize ! or they will tread you in the dust beneath their feet ! " 



Again, in 1885 : 



" We have not claimed to have grievances, but rights. There are legislative meas- 

 ures and administrative reforms, essential not only to the best interests of our calling, 

 but to the well being of the nation. A majority of the people must carry them 

 against rings and monopolies, corrupt and shameless, and their astute attorneys, who, 

 in cahoot with political ' bosses,' have so long misgoverned this country." 



At a called meeting of the Congress in Washington, in 1887 : 



" In our representative capacity we have no cause to be afraid or ashamed to put 

 forth our opinions, wishes, and demands, touching matters which concern the great 



