Southern Mercury United with the Farmers Union Password. (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 26, No. 38, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 13, 1906 Page: 1 of 8
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Southern Mercury Established I88O.
Farmers Union Password. Established 1903.
Southern Mercury and Farmers Union Password Consolidated May I, I90S.
Vol. XXVI. No. 38
Dallas* Texas, Thursday, September 13, 1906
$1.00 Per Annum
h
PROCEEDINGS OF TEXARKANA
Meeting of the Farmer*' Educational
•nd Co-Operative Union of Ameri-
ea, Sept. 5, 6, 7, 1900.
The first regular annual meeting of
the Farmers' educational and Co-oper.
•live Union of America since the sep-
aration of same from the Texas State
Union last February, convened at the
city hall at Texarkana, Texas, at 10
o'clock on Thursday, Sept. 5, 1906.
The F. E. and C. U. of A. was char-
tered under the laws of Texas in Aug-
ust, 1902. The Texas State Union was
formed on Feb. 14, 1904, and given full
Jurisdiction in the State under char-
ter issued by the original board of ten.
Iri August, 1904, said board, on the
payment to them of the sum of $3,000
by the Texas Union, surrendered their
authority and signed a document in-
tended as a complete transfer of their
authority under the charter, to the
Texas State Union. ; After the latter
thus assumed control' of the organiza-
tion in the various States, the fund*
derived from outside States were blend-
ed with the funds tn the Texas treasury,
and from that time on, the Texas Union
served in the dual capacity of both
Slate and National Union, up to last
February, as before stated. During this
period several State Unions were form-
ed—Indiahoma. Louisiana, Arkansas,
Georgia. The State Unions were not re-
quired to pay anything whatever to
the support of the central or National
Union, or "Texas Union." Not until
after the separation occurred, and after
the late "Texas" officers appointed men
from various outside States te relieve
them of their national offices, wu3
any request inade by the F.
E. and C. U. of A. for the payment
of State dues to the National. It is
only just to mention this fact, which
demonstrates how economically the
present "Texas" officers conducted the
National. Since their resignation, most
of the State Unions—all except Texas,
It appears—have paid dues Into the Na-
tional, notwithstanding which, the
funds were found to be Inadequate to
meet current expenses, and a deficit of
about $1700 was reported by National
Secretary McCu'.loch. .
It is a peculiar coincidence that $1700
was also the approximate treasury def-
icit a year ago, when, the Texas mem-
bership rose and demanded the resig-
nations of those who had bankrupted
the treasury, and had sought to destroy
the Referendum principle.
Texarkana, In behalf of Mayor Stuart,
made the address of welcome, which
was responded to by D. J. Neill of Texas
for the delegates.
A committee on credentials was then
appointed, after which the cenvention
engaged In a general discussion of va-
rious topics of Interest to the organi-
sation during the remainder of the fore-
noon.
At the afternoon session the report
of the credentials committee was adopt-
ed. It shows a total of about 230 del-
egates, Texas heading the list with six-
ty.
The States represented were Arkan-
sas, Texas, Louisiana, California, Ten-
nessee, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Mis-
souri, Kansas, Kentucky, South Caroli-
na, Mississippi and Indian and Oklaho-
ma Territories. The order claims a to-
tal membership of about 600,000.
Following the report of the creden-
tials committee came a discussion by
the convention of the c'ondition of the
cotton crop throughout the territory
represented. These reports show an
average deterioration If 20 per cent in
th crop within the last twenty days,
due mainly to Insects and excessive
rains.
At the afternoon session E. B. Hunt-
er, George W. Bennett and A. H. Ev-
ans, representing the Illinois Farmers'
Union, an independent organization
quite similar in Its purposes and its
general plans and methods, appeared at
the hall and were admitted to seats in
the convention as fraternal visitors.
The matter. was discussed. at length.
The gentlemen stated that the senti-
. ments of their people was a desire to
merge with the F. E. and C. U. of A.
Committee on minimum price on cot-
ton were Ben L. Griffin of Arkansas,
E. A. Calvin of Texas, Dr. H. P. Hudson
of Tennessee, E. J. Cook of Alabama
and J. B. Pickett of South Carolina.
A ltjng list of other committees were
appointed, who recommended reaffirm-
attion of the minimum price of 11
cents for middling basis for this year's
cotton crop.
A resolution passed urging State of-
ficials throughout the cotton States to
actively prosecute the cotton seed oil
trust.
E. S. Peters, chairman of the cotton
J iced committee, offered the report, and
ts adoption was unanimous. E. A. Cal-
vin of Dallas and A. A. Ross of Wise
county led In discussion of the report,
fhe cotton seed oil trust is hUd re-
sponsible for the low price of seed
throughout the South.
The report of Secretary McCuIlough
of Arkansas shows there are 11,354
shartered Local Unions, with a paid
membership of 659,787. Reports of the
ether officers from president down (ex-
cept the executive committee) wero
oral, not written.
A resolution prevailed recommend-
ing that special effort be made to or-
ranis* among the rice growers.
Motion by Calvin that secretary pre-
pare a digest of important proceed-
ings to be furnished each State at close
of meeting. This was reconsidered near
the close of the meeting. Calvin reso-
lution on tare, adopted. Ritual commit-
tee recommended burial service, and
were instructed to prepare same after
close of convention. Judge Grubbs, for
the educational committee, read rec-
ommendation for increase of industrial
and agricultural training in public
schools, also urging upon the member-
ship the study of economics. Adopted.
Annual cotton conference with spin-
ners was favored. Eugene Williams of
Waco presented the convention with a
round bale of cotton, with the request
that It be sold and the proceeds applied
to a fund for a monument to Newt.
Gresham, one of the founders of the or-
der. it was sold at 21 cents per pound.
Committee on cotton seed reported
thus: "Whereas, At present market
prices the approximate selling price of
cotton seed products from one ton of
cotton seed aggregates about $26.30, as
follows: Meal, 800 pounds, at $27 per
ton, $10.80; oil, 40 gallons, at 27%c
per gallon, $11; llnters, 60 pounds, at
4>/i cents per pound, $2.25. Total $26.30.
And knowing that the total cost of pro-
ducing said products from the raw seed
will not exceed $5 per ton, we feel that
present prices paid the producer for
seed are far below what they should
be In view of the value of this prod-
uct.
"Therefore, we recommend to the
members of the Farmers' Educational
and Co-operative Union that no seed
be sold for less than the following rates;
In the territory east of -the Mississippi
River a minimum price of 30 cents
per bushel, or $18.60 per ton, as seed is
worth that amount to the grower for
fertilizer. In the territory west of the
Mississippi River a minimum price of
$15 per ton, as It is worth that price
for fertilizer or feed purposes.
"We earnestly urge all formers of
t the Sputh to join us In our effort to se-
j cure a fair minimum price for one
of our principal products. And as a
matter of public policy we make the
further recommendation that the atten-
tion of those public officers whose duty
it 1b to see that the anti-trust laws
are enforced be called to violations
thereof, and that they be urged on se-
curing convictions not to release of-
fenders by mere payment of fines, but
that the provisions of those laws pro-
viding for imprisonment penalty be
rigidly enforced. Signed by E. S. Pe-
ters, Chairman.
When the executive committee's turn
came Campbell Russell had a charac-
teristic argument prepared, presenting
his side of the "late unpleasantness."
He took occasion in liis official report
to lambust certain Texws officials and
boost other men In his usual plausible
style.
It will be noted that this report utterly
ignores the vital fact that the entire
action of the first Texarkana meeting
was knocked out in toto, and the furth-
er fact that the leading officers of the
Texarkana wing themselves assented to
having it set aside, as provided by the
confessed Judgment which bears their
signature. These are well established
facts of history, easily authenticated,,
and this official effort to distort and
pervert such facts and thereby mislead
the uninformed is very unfortunate
and in no respect creditable' to those
responsible for the report. E. A. Calvin
leglstered an emphatic protest against
the conspicuous unfairness and inac-
curacy of their misleading report In
several particulars.
We give an exact copy of the report
as It was submitted and passed by the
Texarkana convention, and leave the
verdict with our readers:
"Report of the National Executive
Committee of the F. E. and C. U. of A.
"City Hall, Texarkana, Tex., Sept.
18. '06. "«'>
"Brother President and Members of
the F. E. and C. U. of A.—As" members
of the board (if directors
of the F. E. and C. U.
of A., we wish to submit to you the
following report: . In obedience to the
Instructions given us by the convention
or mass meeting of the delegates of
the F. E. and C. U. of >A. In those States
which assembled in this hall Dec. 5.
1905, we have labored earnestly to clear
away all misunderstanding, and to
prepare a way for the great National
Union which would be able to adequate,
ly protect the interests and effectively
enforce the just demands of the Ameri-
can farmer.
"Many obstacles had to be met and
overcome, which are too well known
to r°qulre repeating here.
"Sufficient to say that when the situ-
ation was discussed and understood,
we found the membership of the great
State of Texas almost unanimously
ready and anxious to recognize every
member of the Farmers' Union, wher-
evy located, as a brother with equal
rigfits and privileges.
"In recognition of this sentiment the
Texas State Union convention, at Dal-
las, May 5-8, 'OR. by an almost unani-
mous vote, passed a resolution asking
the Texas officials to resign the posi-
tions which they had been, and were
occupying, as national officials, and to
elect instead a corps of officers repre-
senting the entire membership of the
F. E. and C. U. of A.
"Lot me add that this was not done
until all of the State officials present
had expressed a willingness to comply
with the wishes of the convention In
this matter.
"This solution was agreed upon by
those best acquainted with the situa-
tion as the only practicable way at
that time to comply with the technical
requirements of the law. and effectively
and permanently settle the differences
which at that tlm seriously threatened
to disrupt, if not destroy, the Farmers'
Union. President Calvin and Organ-
izer Neil are deserving of special com-
mendation for their assistance In bring-
ing about this amicable settlement.
"This agreement, thus entered into,
was faithfully carried out. with the ex-
ception of two members of the execuv-
tlve committee.
"These two committeemen, evidently
falling under the Influence of bad coun-
sellors, failed and refused to carry out
the promise made by them to their
State In open convention, and confirm-
ed to us the following day. These two
committeemen, fal'lng to resign as they
were morally obligated to do, they have
since been Ignored In our counsels, and
Bros. McColllster of Louisiana and
Cook of Alabama, for whom the mem-
bership at large had expressed a pref-
erence for these positions, have met
In counsel with the executive commit-
tee, and their advice, suggestions and
wishes have at all times been consid-
ered equal to the three of us. who were
elected or appointed as directors, ac-
cording to all the technical require-
ments of the law. If our conduct In
this matter meets the approval of this
body we would suggest that our action
be ratified and confirmed by this con-
vention to the end that no aulbbllnc
may hereafter arise In regard to same.
"Bro. O. P. Pyle, who was the ex-
pressed preference of a large majority
for president of the organization, re-
signed from the position for which
he had been selected by the Texarkana
meeting.
"There Is a sentiment firmly planted
in the minds of many Union men that
only those actively engaged In farming
should be placed in official position.
"Bro. Pyle, living away from his farm
and editing a newspaper, was held by
many of the brethren to be Ineligible
from that point of view.
Bro. Pyle, being unwilling to be con-
sidered by any of the brethren as plac-
ing personal preferment above the good
of the order, resigned his position on
the tongue, and returned to the hind
wheel, where he has done valiant ser-
vice for the cause. Bro. Duckworth of
Georgia was elected to fill this posi-
tion, which we feel that he has done
with credit to himself and the order.
"Bro. Gresham did earnest, faithful,
effective work In the organization dep-
artment by and under the direction of
this committee up to almost the day of
his death. All the officers except those
noted above have been filled by those
for whom the membership *u-d previ-
ously expressed their preference.
"We took up the work on the open
prairie, so to speak, last April.
"The only thing received from our
predecessors in office was some certi-
fied copies of the charter.
"No accounting or reckoning has
ever been taken of the past, nor do
we rccommend that any be attempted.
The mission of the Farmers' Union and
the work that lies out before us and
the hope that beckons us onward is
too great, and time Is too precious^ to
permit us to stop by the wayside to
eat a bait of sorghum premises.
"The unfortunate conditions which
are touched on above, and with which
we are sufficiently familiar, have great-
ly retarded the growth of the Farmers'
Union In new territory, from the effects
of which we feel that It has about re-
covered. In the organized States the
work has been pressed with zeal and
vigor, and the progress made Is very
gratifying. State organizations will
tirobkbly be effected in all the cotton
Slates within another year. Careful ob-
servation has convinced your commit-
tee that the grain and stock producing
States cannot be successfully and ef-
fectively arranged under our present
system of organization. Your commit-
tee is also convinced that a sectional
organization can never achieve that
measure of success which the high aims
and objects of our organization justify.
We here, call your attention to the Im-
portance of taking definite action at
this meeting looking towards the mak-
ing of this organization In fact what "
Is In name, "The F. E. and C..XT. of A."
For an itemized report of
the financial condition of our
Union, we i«e^ie<51 fully refer you
to the report of our secretary-
treasurer, which we have examined and
approved, and we wish to commend
Bro. McCullouch for faithful, efficient
service. The work of the Union seems
to be progressing harmoniously In all
of the organized States except the In-
dian Territory. Two charters for State
Unions have been issued covering the
same grounds. The Indiahoma Stute
Union charter, covering Oklahoma and
Indian Territory, issued In March, 1905.
and Indian Territory State Union char-
ter. which was Issued In March, 1906.
Quite a little confusion has been caused
by this state of affairs. Charges have
been filed with the executive commit-
tee against the Indian Territory Unions,
and asking that charter for same be
revoked. We herewith submit said
charges as a part of our report, and rec.
ommend the appointment of a special
committee to thoroughly Investigate the
charges, and report on same as early
as practical, to the end that definite
decisive action may be taken by this,
the supreme body In our organization.
This Is essentially necessary, inasmuch
as the Union is now under Injunction
in the Fourteenth District Court of
Texas In this matter, which case will
be called for hearing on the 10th Inst.
"CAMPBELL RUSSELL,
"For the Committee."
(We failed to secure a copy of the
report of the secretary-treasurer, as
we desired.)—Ed. Mercury-Password.
The election of officers resulted us
follows:
C. S. Barrett, Atwater, Ga., president.
J. E. Montgomery, Glteson, Tennes-
see, vice president.
R. H. McCuIlough, Bcebe, Ark., re-
elected secretary.
The following were placed In nomi-
nation, each by his respective State,
for the executive committee, namely:
W. A. Horrls, Sulllgent. Ala.; I. N. Mc-
Colllster, Kalian, La.: H. B. Beach,
Woodward, OYIa.; J. M Bay. Spurgeon,
Mo.; G. W. Hint, Linden, Tex. These
were selected by State caucuses as the
choice of his State. In addition to these,
Campbell Russell of Hereford, I. T.. und
W. S. Miller, Lake Creek, Tex., were
nominated by delegates outside their
own respective States. Morris. M< Col-
lister. Rt:ss<li and Miller were elected
on th first ballot, Fant larking a few
votes of having a majority, and Beach
and Bay next. "Bill Sinilh" and Jus.
Butlfr received only a comparatively
few votes. But on the second ballot
Butler was elected. The Territories,
which had Instructed for Beach In State
convention, and Texas, which east Its
entire vote for Fant, the choice of its
delegation, were by no means pleased
when one of their number, not recom-
mended by his State, was substituted
In place of their nominee, by the su-
perior voting force of the other States.
But tlirir protests were unavailing.
Russell and Miller w< re du'y and con-
stitutionally e'ected, and lndluhorna, all
well as Texas', was coolly turned down.
The body nevertheless passed u resolu-
tion disapproving of electing any offi-
cer not endorsed by his own State dele-
gation.
Barrett, Montgomery and McCuIlough
had r> walkover.
R ««lutinns nassed commending the
Co-operative Congress to meet at To-
peKa. Kans., on Oct. 22; also favoring
a parcels post; favoring use of Union
label: and opposing the unit rule In
our elections. Four other resolutions
the nature of which was not stated by
the committee, was recon*nended by
the resolutions committee—consisting
of Jas. Butler, chairman; B. B. Snail,
Secretary; W. A. Shaw, J. T. Upton
and P. F. Parker—to the executive
committee for favorable action. The
following also was passed:
Whereas. Education is the founda-
tion on which the Farmers' Educalion-
al and Co-operative Union, and upon
which America must depend for Its
success, and,
Whereas, We must depend upon the
Farmers' Union press as the most
economic means of reaching tills end,
therefore be it
Resolved, tThat we recommend to the
State officers to use every reasonable
means to place at least one union
paper In cacli State In the hands of
every union member of their respect-
ive States under specific contract.
We further recommend that the
board of directors of said States when
contracting with such publication shall
have full control of all union matters
published in such papers.
The most Impressive and encourag-
ing feature 'if the cor.v entlon
was the deep earnestness anl
conspicuous fairness if spirit man-
ifested by the body during the hearing
of the Indiahoma vs. Indian Territory
muddle. S. O. Daws of Shawnee, Okla.,
presented the Indtahoniu viewpoint, and
J. A. Brown of Verdigris, 1. T., that of
the Indian Territory Union. It was ad-
judicated by the agreement on the part
of Indian Territory to withdraw its
suit from the court dockets, while In-
diahoma is to withdruw its organizers
from the Indian Territory. Lota s so
desiring, however, may continue with
Indiahoma. There was no little hand-
shaking and manifestations of joy when
the happy agreement was acceded to
by all sides so cordially and cheerfully.
Final adjournment at 6 p. m, Sept. 7.
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION.
The following Is a verbatim copy of
'.he constitution, submitted by the Na-
tional Convention of the F. E and C.
U. of A., held at Texarkana, Sept. 6-8,
06, as a substitute for the existing con-
stitution, or that adopted by the orig-
inal board of Texas. It will lie sub-
mitted to a Referendum vote of the
Locals throughout the country, and If
adopted by a majorltv of the member-
ship. will be the governing law of the
organization.
MEMBMRS.
Art. I.
Section 1. All persona ar# eligible
to membership wlui.are of sound' mind',
over the age of sixteen years, a white
person, of industrious habits, bellevda
In a Supreme Being, is. of gpod moral
character, and Is .a farmer, a farm la-
borer, mechanic, school teacher, physi-
cian or minister of the gospel who la
not < ngaged In banking, merchandising,
practicing law, or belongs to any trust
or combine for the purpose of speculat-
ing in agricultural products or the
necessaries of life, or directly affecting
injuriously the agricultural interests,
provided the owning of bank stock by
an actual farmer shall not be constru-
ed as making him n banker as long as
his principal support comes from the
farm.
Provided that ail editors of newspa-
pers are eligible tn membership who
will take the following obligation: "I
do solemnly promise
upon my honor that 1 will openly sup-
port the principles of this Union
through the columns of my paper, the
and will do a'l in
my power to promote the upbuilding
of the cause of agriculture and the
Inti rests of this Co-operative Union,
and should the time ever come when
I cannot consistently do so, 1 will qui-
etly withdraw from the Union, and will
remain silent concerning the workings
of the same; provided, that said editor
be not engaged in any of the occupa-
tions prohibiting membership, as pre-
viously provided.
Sec. 'lT~A membership fee shall be
paid by each male member; said fee
shall be fixed by the Board of Direct-
ors for the States not having a State
Union, but after a state has been char-
tered the fee shall be fixed by such
State for Its own Jurisdiction, provided
the fep In any State shall not be less
than one dollar. Strict account shall
be kept of the receipts and expenditures
from each unorganized State, and when
a State Union shall be perfected, any
excess of receipts over expenditures
from such State shall he paid Into tty
treasury of such State within thirty
days after the chartering of such State
Union.
Section 3. Females arc eligible to
membership on the same conditions as
males, without the payment of f<es or
dues.
Sec. 4. The dues for the National
Union shall be eight cents per year
per capita, payab'e quarterly. Each
State shall collect, and must remit, he-
fore the close of each quarter, the dues
for the current quarter, and upon re-
ceipt of said remittance the quarterly
password shall be forwarded by the
National Secretary to the State Seer'-
tary, and by him forwarded through
the regular channel to the secretaries
of all Local Unions Iri good standing,
provided the n-xt National Union may
make the National dues five cents per
annum without submitting the same
to a referendum vole.
Sec. .1. Each State Union shall have
full power to regulate dues within said
State for State, county and local pur-
poses. provided a State may Include
the National dues In the State dues, or
make a separate Item of the same as It
desires.
Sec. 6, A special assessment of ten
cents Is her' bv levied, and sliull be
due Immediately upon the ratification
of this Constitution and By-Laws, and
must be paid within ninety days there-
after. The proceeds of this assessment
shall b? known as an organization fund,
and be used exclusively for extending
the Union, provided that after State
Unions have b"en formed In ail agrl-
cu'tural St'ites this fund may be trans-
ferred to the general fund, provided the
current quarterly password shall not
he given until this assessment I" paid.
Sec. 7. Should these By-Liwn be
adopted In Hi u of those now In force,
then all arrears of dues from orgurilzcd
States shall be cancelled, and all
amounts heretofore received by the
General Secretary from any State
Union, either as a loan, contribution
or payment of dues, sha I be refunded
as tsoon as the condition of the treas-
ury wi 1 permit.
Sec. 8. No member Is entitled to
the quarterly password until all dues
for the current quarter are paid.
Sec. 9. No person shall be disquali-
fied from membership on account of his
religious or political vIpwh.
Sec. 10. Any person qualified for
membership under these By-Laws
wishing to become a member of the
Union after the Union has been organ-
ized and chartered, shall be required
to offer his or her iipp Iculion In writ-
lug at a stated meeting, giving uge, oc-
cupation and why he wants to become
a member, application to be accompa-
nied by the Initiation fee. Upon receipt
of same the president sha I appoint a
committee of three to investigate the
character of the applicant, who shall
report us soon t here ufter as conveni-
ent. The cundidate may be Initiated
at said meeting Is he so desires, and
It suits the convenience of the Union.
Sec. 11. All elections tor member-
ship In the Union shall be by ballot,
and three black bulls shall reject.
Sec. 12. No person shall be eligible
to membership who has not lived with-
in the jurisdiction of the nearest Un-
ion to him foe at least three months,
provided, however, that should he be
able to furnish proof of good, moral
character und good citizenship where
lie formerly lived, he shall be consid-
ered eligible to membership.
Sec. 13. When an applicant has been
rejected or a member expelled from the
Union, he shall not be permitted to re-
new application for the space of three
mrfnths.
Sec. 14. Any member clear on the
books and otherwise in good standing
wishing to transfer his membership to
another Union shall be furnished u
dlmlt, signed by the president und sec-
retary under seul.
Sec. 14. Any person holding a dlmlt
and wishing to become a member of
another Union, shall file suid dlmlt
with the secretary-treasurer of th«
Union to which lie makes application
for membership and shall b«f declared
elected only upon a two-thirds ballot;
provided, that the sevrjtary-treasurer
sliull collect f^om the upplicunt dues
from the date of his dlmlt ut the rate
of current dues.
Sec. 15. When personul or pecuniary
differences arise between members of
the Union, It is hereby recommended
that as a last resort, the Union shall
take It up and arbitrate the matter, In
which case the Union shnll take sui u
steps as it sees proper, und from which
decision there sliull be no appeal.
Sec. 16. Provision Is hereby niude
by wHIcli any local Union may separate
and form two Unions by a two-thirds
majority vote, in case its membership
becomes too large or unwieldly. An
extra charter will be furnished them
without, cost by the National Secretary
when application has been made, by
giving names of charter members.
Sec. 17. Where it Is deemed best
for the good of the Union, two local
Unions may unite their membership by
a two-thirds vote of each Union, and
by surrendering the charter to the Na-
tional Secretary.
Sec. 18. if any member shall dis-
close or divulge the secrets of the Un-
ion to any one not entitled to receive
the same, he shall, upon conviction, lie
expelled from the Union and Ills name
published throughout the Jurisdiction
of the Union as a traitor.
Sec. 19. The local Union shall he re-
quired to meet as often as twice a
month, and shall have a ; many call
meetings as the business of the Union
may demand.
Sec. 20. All committees shall be ap-
pointed by the president, unless other-
wise ordered by the Union.
Sec. 21. All members present at
any meeting shall lie required to vole
on all questions proposed, provided vis-
iting members may be. considered in an
advisory sense, but are not allowed to
vole.
Sec. 22. A County Union may be
formed in any county having five char-
tered Unions.
Sec. 23. The officers of a Counly
Union shall be a President, Vlce-Presl-
(when elected) und one delegate for
every ten members or majority fraction
thereof und one delegate from the local
Union ut lurge.
Sec. 2. The President, Vlce-Presl-
local Union to see after und render as-
sistance to all sick and distressed mem-
bers, und the president, chaplain and
vice president sliull constitute u relief
committee, und upon evidence of the
sickness of any member the president
shall appoint a committee to render all
necessary assistance, who shall have
authority to use any funds belonging
to the Union not otherwise appropri-
ated.
Sec. 25. In all unorganized States It
shall be the duty of the local secretary
to remit ull membership fees monthly
to the National Secretary, and all dues
quarterly In udvunce for the current
q uarter.
Sec. 26. All elections of officers shnll
be by secret ballot unless by unani-
mous consent.
Sec. 27. A quorum for tlie transac-
tion of business shall consist of five
male members.
OFFICERS AND DUTIES.
Art. II.
Sec. 1. The officers eif this National
Union shall be u President, Vice-Presi-
dent, Secretary, Treasurer, General or-
ganizer and five Directors, provided
that the office of secretary and treas-
ury may be filled by the same Indi-
vidual.
Sec. 2. The President, Vice-Presi-
dent, Secretary-Treasurer, and Direc-
tors shall be elected uunually and hold
office for a term of one year, or until
their successors are elected and quali-
fied.
Sec. 3. The election of General Or-
ganizer and the work of the organizing
department shall be left to the Board
of Directors.
Sec. 4. The Board of Directors may
appoint an attorney and such agents,
or other representatives, and employ
such persons as may in: necessary to
properly conduct the business of the
Union, but ail such appointments shall
be subject to the pleasure of the Board
as to time of employments and the
Board shall fix the compensation for
officers not otherwise provided for.
Sec. 5. The Board of Directors shall
have power to designute the manner of
keeping the books und records and ac-
counts of the union and It shall be
their duty to see that nil accounts are
kept in a neat, accurate und proper
manner and thut the books are written
up and posted ut ull times, to the end
thut an inspection of the same at uny
time will disclose the true condition of
the Union. They shall require a month-
ly trial balunce to be tuken ut, the
close of each month. At the eod of
each fiscal year they shall cuusc to be
prepared a full and complete state-
ment, showing the condition of the Un-
ion, a stulenient of the receipts and
disbursements, and shall cause such
statements to be published In the
Union papers.
Sec. 6. The Board of l>|ftctors shall
have power to remov^ any officer,
agent or employs* ut arytiine for mis-
conduct In office, Incompetency, or dis-
honesty, provided the uccused has the
right to be heard.
Sec. 7. Tiie Board of Directors shall
linve power to fill uny vacuncy In the
Board or In any office by appointment.
Such appointee shall hold office for the
unexpired term or until the next un-
nual meeting unless removed for
cause.
Sec. 8. The Directors shall receive
for their compensation a per diem of
three dollars a day, transportation, and
an allowance of two dollars a Say for
expenses when culled from home.
Sec. 9. The Board of Directors shull
provide u good und sufficient bond in
a reliable surety company for all offi-
cers or employees whose duty It Is to
handle the money of the Union.
Sec. 10. The annual meeting of the
Board of Directors fjh'ull be held Imme-
diately after the .Adjournment of ttlie
National Union.
Sec. II. Thf regular quarterly meet-
ings of the Directors shall be on the
first Tuesday of December, Murch and
Jupe.
' 'Sec. 12. Special meetings may bo
culled by the President or three Direc-
tors, five day's notice by wire or ten
by mall, having been given each mem-
ber, designating the purpose, time und
place of holding such meeting.
Sec. 13. Three niembejs of the
Directors shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business.
Sec. 14. The President shall be the
executive officer of the Union. Ho
shall preside at the unnuul meeting and
appoint auch officers as ure necessary
from the delegates present to aid him
In opening and closing the anuunl
meeting In ritualistic form and pre-
serving order and secrecy of the ses-
sion. He shall decide all questions of
constitutional law. He shall preside at
all meetings of the Hoard of Directors,
but shull not have a vote, and shad per-
form such other duties us may be re-
quired of htm by the Hoard of Direc-
tors. He shall receive for his services
u salary of six hundred dollars u year
und ii per diem of three dollars a day,
transportation, and an allowance of
two dollars a day for expenses when
called from home.
Sec. lf>. The Vice-President shall
perform the duties of President In his
absence or In case of his Inuhlllly or
refusal to act.
Sec. 111. The Secretary-Treasurer
shall keep a record of the proceedings
of each unnual meeting und also of
each meeting of the Hoard of Directors.
He shull receive and receipt for all
money due the Union and pay out the
same upon the order of the Hoard of
Directors duly signed by the President.
He shall receive for ills services ii sal-
ary of $1,200.00 u year and transporta-
tion and an allowance of two dollars a
iluy for expenses when called from
home.
THE NATIONAL UNION.
Art. III.
Sec. 1. The Farmers' Educational
und Co-operative Union of America,
hereinafter designated as the Nutlonul
Union, shall be composed of lis officers
and one delegate for cacli 5,000 mem-
bers or majority fraction thereof, who
huve paid dues for tthe current quar-
ter, provided thut any State having a
chartered Union Shull be entitled to at
least one representative.
Sec. 2. All delegates lo the Nutlonal
Union shall receive uctuul expenses for
attendance und not to exceed two dol-
lars a day and transportation, to be
paid by the National Union.
See. 3. The annual meeting shall lie
held on the first Tuesday of Septem-
ber eHcli year at such place us may lie
designated by the Board of Directors.
Sec. 4. All delegates to the National
Union shall file their credentials with
the National Secretary-Treasurer at
least ten days prior to the annual meet-
ing. said credentials shall be signed by
the president and secretary-treasurer
of the State Union.
Sec. 5. Delegates absenting them-
selves from the sessions of the Na-
tional meeting wlthput the consent of
the presiding officer shall not be al-
lowed expenses.
Sec. 0. The National Union, when
assembled, shall adopt and declare
minimum prices on all farm products,
which muy be considered sufficiently
in control of the membership to give
reasonuble grounds for hoping to main-
tain said prices, and make Its own rules
and regulations governing the action of
its body, and make such amendments
to the by-laws as deemed adviAible,
provided that ull amendments shali be
submitted In writing and passed by a
two-third vote of the delegates pres-
ent, and thereafter must be submitted
to u. referendum vote of the entire
membership to be voted on within not
lees thun thirty nor more than sixty
duys after adjournment of the Nutlonal
Union and must be ratified by a ma-
jority of all votes cast before becoming
effective. A uniform date shall he pro-
vided by the Board of Directors for
holding su"h election.
Sec. 7. A quorum for the transaction
of business shall consist of delegates
from a majority of the States entitled
to representation.
INITIATIVE AND RKF1CRENDUM.
Art. IV.
See. 1. The right of the Initiative
■nd referendum und imperative man-
date sh^ll not be denied the members
of the Union.
Sec. 2. Five per cent of the member*
ship may petition the President to sub-
mit to a referendum vote any measure
or ask the recall of any officer an*
upon of such petition he shall submit
the same to a referendum vote to th*
entire membership naming a date for
said election not less than thirty day*
and not more than sixty days from tha
time of receiving the petition and If
a inujorlty of the members voting tow
such measure or recall shall have cast
their vote for said measure or recall
the President shall immediately declar*
the same to be in force at once.
Sec. 3. The Board of Directors shall
establish uniform rules for holding all
referendum elections und provide nec-
essary blanks and return envelopes.
The report of said vote shall be signed
by the president and secretary-ttreas-
urer of the local Union and the seal of
the lodge placed upon the same an*
scaled up In the presence of the Union
und at once placed in the mails. Tea
days after such election, the Board of
Directors, assisted by the President
and Secretary-Treasurer, shull count
and declare the result of such election.
STATE UNIONS.
Art. V.
Sec. 1. Any State having a member-
ship of 5.000 male members inay b*
granted u State charter.
Sec. 2. Each State shall have tha
right to regulate Its owns fees and dues
for Stute, county und locul purposes,
enact all laws, rules and regulations
governing the membership and subor-
dinate Unions In Its own jurisdiction,
provided • said luws, rules and regula-
tions shall not conflict with the Na-
tionul Union.
See. 3. It shall be the duty of each
State Secretary to at once furnish th*
National Secretary with the name,
number of male members In good
standing, together with the name und
postofflee address of euch local secre-
tary.
Sec. 4. All additions to the member-
ship and changes In the office of secre-
tary shall be reported quarterly at the
time of remitting dues to the National
Secretary by the Statae Secretary.
Sec. Dues for the National Union
sliull be In force and apply for tha
fourth quarter of 1906, and shall at
once be due und payuble up the rati-
fication of this Constitution und By-
luws. CH*RTP:rs.
Art. VI.
Sec. 1. The charier of any loaal,
counly or State Union may be revoked
for the following cuuses, and no other:
First.—For failure to pay dues on or
'k it day of M*? qu^rur fot
which sudli shall be levied.
Second.—For open violation of the
constitution anl by-laws under which
euch Union may be chartered.
Third.— Where said charter was ob-
tained through fraud or misrepresenta-
tion, and where the true conditions ex-
isting at the time the charter was Is-
sued did not Justify the Issuing of said
charter.
Sec. 2. The president of the Stat*
Union only shall have the right to re-
volte the charter of u local or county
Under under his jurisdiction.
Sec. 3. The president of the Nutlon-
ul Union shall have the right to sus-
pend the charter of a Stute Union, pro-
vided such suspension Is upproved by
the Board of Directors, then such sus-
pension shall be |n force until the next
unnuul meeting to which body the right
of appeal is reserved to the defendant
stute, and If the National Union shall
affirm the uctlon of the President and
Directors, then said charter shall b*
revoked.
Sec. 4. States having been chartered
shall have full power to Issue ull char-
ters within their Jurisdiction.
Sec. 5. No local Union shnll he or-
ganized with less thun five male mem-
bers. und no charter shull be Issued
until the fee of $15.00 bus been paid.
Sec. 6. In unorganized Slates Coun-
ty Unions may be chartered when fiv*
Unions In said county have secured
charters.
Sec. 7. A charter Is the authority
under which u Union works, and it la
the duty of the president to see that
the charter Is present when the Union
la open for business.
Sec. X. Duplicates for all charters
lost or destroyed will be Issued with-
out cost to nny such Union, provided
satisfactory evidence Is furnished th*
secretary-treasurer of the State or th*
National Secretary under whose juris-
diction the same was Issued, and pro-
vided further the names of the officers
ure supplied. RITUAL.
Art. VII.
Sec. 1. The ritual und'fecret work
of this Union Is hereby declared u part
of the organic law, provided nothing
be allowed In slad ritual that conflicts
with the Constitution and By-Laws of
the Union, and provided further, said
ritual may he revised and chunged at
uny nutlonal meeting without being
submitted to a referendum vote.
Sec. 2. The ritual adopted by th*
National Union shall be used in ull
lodges throughout its Jurisdiction.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of tha
Board of Directors to furnish the Stata
secretaries at a minimum cost the re-
quired number of rituals for each State
from time to time, upon proper request
being made.
Sec. 4. The ritual Is the property of
the National Union, und when a char-
ter is forfeited all rituals belonging ta .
such Union must be returned to the
State Secretary, under whose jurisdic-
tion the charter was forfeited.'
ADOPTION.
Art. VIII.
Sec. 1. This Constitution and By-
laws shall be submitted to a referen-
dum vote of the entire membership,
suid vote to be taken between the hour*
of one o'clock p. m. and ten o'clock
p. in., Oct. 20, 1100. Said vote Is to ba
tuken, returned and counted according
to provisions outlined In this Consti-
tution and By-Laws.
Sec. 2. Under the provisions of th*
organic law of this Union, under which
this substitute is offered, all member*
In good standing are required to vot*.
It is hereby declared and ordered that
all members absenting themselves front
said election shall be, and counted M
voting In the affirmative.
.Jail!
Mai I
i >m>ii
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Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
Southern Mercury United with the Farmers Union Password. (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 26, No. 38, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 13, 1906, newspaper, September 13, 1906; Dallas, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth186258/m1/1/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .