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Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. 
and prosperity of the country. From his independent position, he is 
more free to aid in any movement towards reform through political 
action. And the demands of self-interest insure that his political 
action, if guided by intelligence, will always be in direct line with 
the interests of labor in other industries. 
In stating these proposition, I am not forgetful of the material 
value to the country of all workers, whether of brain or muscle. 
Theorists, the thinkers of the world, are continually manifesting 
their industry and worth by presenting to us, as the fruit of their 
labor, new ideas, enlarged and advanced views of men and things, 
improved machinery, or valuable literary works, that fill our minds 
with a rich store of knowledge, which the busy work of our daily 
life prevents us from getting in any other way. But to my subject— 
THE PARMER IN POLITICS. 
Having been born and bred a farmer I shall naturally speak from 
the stand-point of a farmer. I acquired my knowledge at the tail 
of a plow. My education, what I have, commenced in the fields 
and has been pursued amidst the cares and conflicts of every-da} r 
life. Therefore, you must not expect too much of me. I come too, 
of a class 
“ Whose hearts ne ? er bow, but to superior worth. 
Or seldom fail, in their allegiance there. 
Thus being by birth and education free, and independent in 
thought and character, I cannot stand idly by, and see my brother 
farmer drifting into a bondage, more dangerous and repulsive than 
negro slavery—because the slavery of a higher intelligence—with¬ 
out making an effort to awaken them to a sense of the danger that 
surrounds them. And herein may be found one reason for my 
speaking to you of your connection with, and relation to politics. 
Another reason may be found in the grief I feel in noting your 
want of independence in thought and action, which is as necessary 
to your advancement in material and moral, as in political power. 
I have carefully measured the difficulties and dangers that attend 
the handling of this subject. I understand its delicacy, and how 
personal and political enmity may strive to abort my efforts, im¬ 
pugn my motives, and antagonize my class against me. And were 
I to study my own personal interests, I certainly should not touch 
such a subject as this. But, relying on the integrity of my purpose, 
