THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONVENTION 143 



for the purpose of drafting a bill to be introduced into the Legis- 

 lature in behalf of the farming community I called upon the 

 Attorney General. I had been told by our Senator that a bill 

 had been drafted by him. His reply was, "No, we do not draft 

 bills for the head of any department. The Legislature failed 

 to pass a law to give us that authority." 



Every piece of legislation then must be started by some one 

 who is concerned. Great interests care for their own legisla- 

 tion. They are organized and back such laws as they want. Con- 

 structive law is not for special interests but for the people. The 

 people, as a rule, are unorganized for such work. How is it with 

 law for the farmers of Illinois? We are talking for the farm- 

 ing community. Who in Illinois is looking over the general 

 field of our laws as related to the needs of the farming com- 

 munity? Who is charged with that duty and that responsibil- 

 ity? No one. 



What should constitute wise constructive legislation in our 

 State? What concerted action have we? What co-operation 

 among the farmers or even among the farmers' associations of 

 the State have we for the purpose of securing wise and jim 

 legislation for the farming community? None. 



The time is at hand in this State when the subject of con- 

 structive legislation should receive more than the casual and 

 passing consideration of our agricultural associations. The 

 question must be forced beyond mere discussion. It should 

 assume the form of some definite policy, plan or method of 

 study and promulgation. 



Did you observe in the reading of the resolutions that they 

 call your attention to several provisions of the law that are 

 regarded as not being right and just for your interests. Your 

 Committee on Resolutions have made sufficient study of these 

 questions to bring them before this body for your consideration 

 and adoption. 



Today the opening wedge is driven by this Association on 

 the matter of constructive legislation, by your adoption of these 

 resolutions. The Officers and the Directors of this great or- 

 ganization will no doubt now make such study of this question. 



