annual Report—Convention. 
9 1 
Mr. J. E. Thomas, of Sheboygan, regarded such associations 
with favor, and regretted that they had not been formed in She¬ 
boygan county. The cheese-makers, especially, had suffered by 
non-co-operation. They had shipped some cheese, but the return 
discounts for shortage had annoyed them exceedingly. Now he 
was glad to observe the dairymen were arousing to the necessity 
of combining their individual interests. They were prospering. 
According to the statement of banks at Sheboygan, their deposits 
were about $600,000, a great part of which was deposited* by the 
farmers. But the one thing needful was combination for the pur¬ 
pose of attracting the attention of dealers. » 
Mr. Eaton, of Green county, expressed himself in favor of the 
free discussion going on in the convention. He regarded it quite 
as good as listening to the fine essays which had been read. The 
dairymen might be able to form combinations, and secure better 
prices for their produce; but he had been an officer of a farmers’ 
club in his county, and found it difficult to establish such co-oper¬ 
ative efforts, and if any one present could offer any plan that 
would meet the exigencies of the case, he, lor one, would be glad 
to know it. 
Mr. J. W. Leffingwell explained briefly the aims and objects of 
the Patrons of Husbandry. He was a member of the organiza¬ 
tion, and regarded it a good thing. If there was anything better, 
he wanted to join it. The order was organized about five years 
ago, and had been gaining slowly since. There are about one 
hundred granges in this state. He was satisfied they had done 
good, and were capable of doing much more, if rightfully directed. 
In his estimation, they possessed elements that would subserve the 
best interests of the farmer, if they did not prove a remedy for all 
ills afflicting that calling. 
Mr. Hazen said he was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, 
and believed in them. They were useful—combining farmers for 
their own protection, Arrangements were made with merchants 
in Oshkosh, whereby members could get goods at the low price of 
ten per cent, above cost. Thus far the order had been of real 
value to the farmers in his section. Attempts had been made, by 
a counter-combination of merchants, to run them out, but they 
did not succed. 
