The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1873-09-17
The PoDular Movement.

The Popular Movement.
In spite of violent dcnunciations,
and untruthful assertions, the farmers
leagues or Oranges are growing vast
in numbers, as well as gaining in
popularity with those who were dis
posed to cry them down. A very
shor; time has suficed for this. That
the association was designed as a
political movement, and as such, de-
nouuced by those who feared such a
result, has been, it is believed, shown
to the contrary. That such a large
and influential class Of the voters Of
the country will have voice, and a
strong one, in shaping the future, is
not to be denied. It could not be
otherwise, and who but knaves would
desire anything else. AS a body they
will not take part in politics, but as
individuals, better informed through
association, they will be able to control,
in a marked measure, if not cause a
change to come over, the spirit of the
present ugly dream, which will inure to
the public good and prosperity. The
main objects of this important move
ment are manifold and plainly apparent
unity Of action among a class repre-
senting so large portion of society
protection against monopoly and fraud
and q ready means Of acquiring in
formation on all matters tending to
advance their interests intellectually,
socially and pecuaiarily, upon all of
which hang the agricultural prosperity
of the country. These are some of
the points had in view This union
is based upon broad and enlightened
principles, and for progress, and the
results can hardly be measured. 1t
is plainly to be seen that there is a
decline in this important branch Of
industry, for while the farmer digs and
sweats harder than ever before, the
present system of labor is urremunera-
tive, and the consequence is that in a
majority Of cases, the agriculturist,
who should be independent and well
to do, is only able to keep his head
above water. And why is this?
Simply because of want of unity,
want of information as to what system
or plan is best to insure success, and
how TO sell the products made to advan-
tage, and avoid the trickery and frauds
Of monied monopolists and spectators
abroad, who sit in luxurious ease, and
by the bare exercise Of sharp wits lay
plans by which they can grow rich at
the expense of the farmer, who tolls
with unremitting patience and I'M
firing energy, but who all the while,
grows poorer. This the farmers 'or
the Oranges are called upon to meet
squarely, and it is their right to do so,
and their duty, not only to themselves
and their families, but to the whole
country. Without successful agri-
culture, every class of society suffers;
al are dependent upon the products
Of the soil. There need be no conflict
of opinion, no reason to think that in
this association of the farming element
there is any desire or wish to injure
any other interest. The intention is not
TO build up one class on the downfall
of the other; not by any means. The
merchant for instance, is as necessary
to the farmer, as the farmer is to the
merchant; one cannot do without the
other, and it is the height of folly to
think otherwise. Yet there are those
who think that the Oranges mediate
opposition to them. It is an erroneous
idea, no such thing is contemplated.
All that is desired is that the farmer
shall make the cheapest purchases he
can, and sell to the best advantage.
Just so is it with the merchant. Live
and let live, should be the principle.
It is we'll to recognize this movement,
or this union, as fixed and establish
ed fact, and all classes harmonize to-
gether without conflicts or clashings.
In all that is for good, We believe the
Oranges sympathize, and whatever
there is Of bad, whether commercial,
social, and it may be added political,
they will be able to do a great and
good work.