206 HISTORY OF THE WHEEL AND ALLIANCE. 



exposing those that are unworthy, and for protecting, by 

 all available means, the farming interests from fraud and 

 deception, and combinations of every kind. To accom- 

 plish all this requires time, patience and money. News- 

 papers are needed to educate the members of the Order to 

 the importance of these things. A bureau of statistics 

 and information is required, from whence can be issued 

 blank reports, for stating the condition, acreage, price 

 and value of crops; the number and value of live stock, 

 experiments with new seeds, and all other information 

 necessary to equip the farmer to make his arrangements 

 and calculations for the future. These reports can be 

 condensed, printed in pamphlet form, and distributed 

 among the members of the Order. Co-operative buying 

 and selling, which is fully discussed in the chapter on 

 co-operation, is another prominent feature of the organiza- 

 tion, and which, carried into effect, will save the farmers 

 of the United States many millions of dollars. Co-opera- 

 tive manufacturing is not only among the possibilities, 

 but has been successfully demonstrated, where properly 

 tried. Not least among the objects of the Order is that of 

 the protection of the farmer in his rights. This can only 

 be accomplished through organization and united action. 

 Farmer Smith and Farmer Jones may each have the same 

 grievance, but each has a different remedy, and neither 

 able to apply it. These two men are brought together in 

 the Union, and discuss, not only their grievances, but a 

 proper remedy. " In a multitude of council there is wis- 

 dom," and, u In union there is strength." Through 

 discussion and exchange of ideas the members arrive at 

 clear any well denned views of the evils from which they 

 are suffering, and at once set about to devise a remedy. 

 The farmers, with their usual frankness, admit that they 

 are partly responsible for their present condition. Hence, 

 they have begun to apply themselves to the study of better 



