No. 4.] FARMERS' NATIONAL CONGRESS. 515 



president's gavel fell, and with hasty adieus the members 

 separated. 



The delegates from New England (three from Massachu- 

 setts and one from Rhode Island) wielded an influence in 

 the Congress second to none, notwithstanding their small 

 number and territory represented. 



They presented the following resolutions, which were 

 unanimously adopted : — 



Resolved, That the Fanners' National Congress is in favor of 

 the upbuilding of our merchant marine in the foreign carrying 

 trade, and urges upon the Congress of the United States the 

 necessity of enacting such laws as will best promote that object, 

 so that American ships, the product of labor in our own ship- 

 yards, sailing under our own flag, and owned, officered and 

 manned by Americans, may regain their rightful place in the 

 canning of our foreign commerce. 



Resolved, That the Farmers' National Congress favors improv- 

 ing the harbors of the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts, the lakes 

 and rivers of the interior, and the speedy completion of the harbors 

 of refuge now in process of construction ; as they mean cheaper 

 transportation, cheaper food, fuel, clothing and supplies generally 

 to every inhabitant of our country ; therefore it urges the Congress 

 of the United States to make liberal appropriations for these 

 objects, in the interest of a wise economy and a broad humanity. 



Resolved, That the Farmers' National Congress views with alarm 

 the ravages made by the gypsy moth upon the trees and foliage of 

 the New England States, and urges the United States Congress to 

 examine into the subject, and to take such measures for the 

 extermination of the pest as may seem wise, as its spread over the 

 country would prove to be a national disaster. 



miereas, It is asserted that injustice to the farmer and land 

 owner in matters of taxation is permitted under the laws of many 

 of the States of the Union, which discriminate in favor of char- 

 tered corporations, therefore, be it 



Resolved, That the Farmers' National Congress favors equal 

 and just taxation of all property, and that chartered corporations 

 should be taxed upon the market value of their shares by the State 

 or States granting their charters, at the average rate of taxation 

 for such State or States, less the value of their real estate and 

 machinery, which should be taxed by the assessors where located ; 

 the same to be paid into the State treasury and credited to the 

 cities, towns or counties where such shareholders reside, in pro- 

 portion to their several holdings. 



