96 WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
gulf now existing between classes and callings—we would rather 
pause in the rushing tide, calmly contemplate the asserted evils, 
and assay to indicate the appropriate remedy. 
The grievances now calling forth the murmurings ol the people, 
are many in form, yet essentially one in origin. By monopoly, in¬ 
dustry is everywhere robbed of its just reward. This relentless ty¬ 
rant, through various organizations, created ostensibly for the pub¬ 
lic good, exercises legislative functions, systematically levies un¬ 
just taxes upon the products of labor, and by vile combinations, 
commits general robbery in the name of commerce. A grasp like 
that of steel is upon every industry, and every toiler from the dis¬ 
tant east to the golden gates of the west, pays tax to the greedy 
monster. 
On the side of the oppressor, are, pre-eminently, thought, wealth, 
concentration, from which spring control of markets and unjust 
legislation. Such a power cannot be met by caucuses, by secret 
associations, special legislation and public displays. These may 
do their part in arousing the people to a defence of their rights, 
but are inadequate to remove the evil. Other means must be 
adopted. If monoply make rifle-pits, industry must make rifle- 
pits. If monoply mine, industry must countermine. There must 
be on the side of industry a development of counteracting forces, 
or the subjugation of the people is inevitable. The general upris¬ 
ing of our working classes is an argury for good. Their formal 
proclamation against the corruptions of politicians and the extor¬ 
tions of monopolists rings like the knell of doom in the ears of 
many who have been fattening upon the hard-earned and scanty 
gains of the workingmen. From legislative enactments but little 
can be anticipated. Legislators are to often venal for us to expect 
that they will stand in unbroken ranks and scorn proffered gain. 
I do not wish to throw a shadow over the bright hopes any may 
cherish respecting the beneficial results of social and political or¬ 
ganizations. The assembling of the people to discuss their rights 
and their grievances, will awaken intellect, stimulate varied in¬ 
quiry, show them their power, and lead to useful co-operative 
combinations. I hail the organization of the farmers as a prelude 
to success, but I do not look for that success in the sphere of pol¬ 
itics. While I would counsel every man to carry his convictions 
