Annual Report. 
31 
they consume except the tiller of the soil, and I regret to say that 
few comparatively earn it. Much of business, so-called, of our 
country to-day, is of a speculating, gambling character—trying in 
a sharp way to obtain something from others without rendering an 
equivalent. There are those whose pursuits are as necessary to so¬ 
ciety as the farmers, such as those engaged in manufactures, com¬ 
merce, merchandizing, professions, public officers, and the like trade 
and business interests. Their occupations require more brain and 
less physical labor than is usually given to farming. Would not 
more brain-labor elevate this foundation calling, and make it pay 
better? Man’s mind can be made strong and active onl}' by exer¬ 
cise, thought and study, the same as the arm is made strong and 
vigorous by daily use. Who is so well calculated to think over 
everything which pertains to his business as the man who is at the 
head of it. Thought upon any subject never gave any one less 
light. I am aware that there are classes in society who are getting 
nervous over the fact that farmers are beginning to think upon 
other subjects pertaining to their true interests, as well as how they 
shall supply consumers of bread and meat at a cheap price. These 
same gentlemen seem to be alarmed—are afraid the producers are 
going to know too much. They don’t like to have them making 
the inquiry, why it is that men at the head of private corporations 
are receiving ten to twenty-five thousand dollars per annum, while 
the same talent and enterprise in any of the purety productive 
channels of industry cannot earn one-fourth such sums ? 
They are too inquisitive. They want to know who pays these 
salaries. Whether it does not really come out of the producers 
pockets. Some say we are really subverting the real interests and 
objects of our Society when we allow discussions upon the currency 
question, as at our last two winter meetings. I believe the far¬ 
mers range of thought and study should be as broad as those of any 
occupation or profession. That his interest and the good of society 
demand it. As to the currency, if there is any one question of 
more vital importance to him than another, it is this, as it direct^ 
affects the price of his labor and surplus products. The producers 
of wealth should look Well to the causes which produce abundant 
products, and with equal care watch the machinery instituted b}^ 
shrewd, clear-brained men, who, without labor, intend to strip 
them of all their profits. To the farmers, and all engaged in legit- 
