CO-OPERATION. 



33 



members all of the time; but you cannot satisfy all of the members 

 all of the time. Even the Power above that doeth all things well 

 cannot satisfy a small neighborhood all at the same time, — some will 

 want rain, others sunshine. 



Let me say right here, there are many growers who do not know 

 what good vegetables are, or how to pack properly. Such members 

 and growers must first learn what good vegetables are and then 

 learn to pack them; also members must learn to trust each other. 

 It is a strange thing that some growers will trust everybody but their 

 neighbors. A man comes along selling nursery stock, and although 

 they have never seen him before or never heard of the firm he repre- 

 sents, they will trust him; also they will sign a contract with a 

 stranger for some thing or other, and in six months it will turn up 

 at their bank as a note for $50 or $100. They will trust everybody 

 but the men engaged in the same line of business, in the same com- 

 munity. 



No good co-operative association can be maintained unlesse very 

 member of it will guard the reputation of the association, as he 

 guards his own. The members must trust each other and they must 

 be w^orthy of trust. I w^ould like to quote here from Mr. Tenny's 

 paper read at Rochester: 



"The four principles which lie at the base of successful co-operation 

 are: First, there must be a common need, or at least some common 

 ground between farmers or growers. 



Second. The organization must be an incorporated body. A 

 loosely formed agreement will do as long as everything goes smoothly, 

 but will not hold together when trouble arises. 



''Third. The money for the capital stock must be put in on a non- 

 profit-sharing basis. The organization should not be run, in other 

 words, to make money on the money actually invested. The purpose 

 of the organization is primarily to sell produce, to reach other markets, 

 to make more money growing produce. The capital stock is neces- 

 sary to bring about that end, but is only a means to another end. 



''Fourth. In the last place, there must be a signed contract be- 

 tween the central organization and the individuals shipping through 

 it. A single promise on the part of the individuals that they will ship 

 is not sufficient." I will say that this contract should be iron clad 

 with a penalty attached for violation. Some may disagree with me 

 on this, saying it would keep members from contracting. It would 

 not keep a loyal member from contracting; but it would make a 



