The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1874-05-21
COOP PLATFORM.

GOOD PLATFORM.
The following extract from recent
address BY Grand Master Allen. Of
Missouri, to the Patrons Of that
State, is certainly pointed. The plat
form laid down is broad enough and
good enough for any well meaning
citizen,be he Granger or not; and the
truths told, both in regard TO the pos
sibility of forming = new, ''pure par
~ and the responsibility for corrup-
ton in existing parties, are too mani
fest 10 be successfully con,roser'ei
by any one:
We acknowledge the broad princi-
ple that difference Of opinion is no
crime,' and hold that progress to-
ward truth is made by differences of
OPINION while 'sthe fault lies in the
bitterness of controversy" We de-
sire . proper equality, equity and
fairness; protection for the weak,
restraint upon the strong; in short,
Justly distributed burd Ems and Justly
distributed power. These are Amer
lean ideas, the very essence Of
American independence, and TO adj
vocate the contrary is unworthy the
sons and daughters of an American
republic. ;.
We cherish the belief that section
slism il, and of right should be,
dead and buried with the past. Our
work is for the present and future
In our agricultural brotherhood and
its purp5s es we shall recognize no
north, no south. no east, no west.
Il is reserved by every patron as
the right of freeman to affiliate
with any party that will best carry
out his principles.
Here is much said in little space,
and it is SO plain thst no one need
misapprehend it:
The frs. proposition is that the
grange. as such, can have nothing 10
10 with politics.
The second is that by becoming a
member Of it We are not released
from any Of the duties or responsible
tiles Of citizenship.
The third is that it is the duty of
every citizen to take a proper interest
in the politics of the country.
The fourth is that il is his duty TO
do all in his power legitimately 10 re-
form the abuses and conceptions that
exist by putting honest and capable
men into positions Of trust and power.
The fifth is 10 beware Of men who
seek office.
The sixth is tina, an homes, differ
enee Of opinion is no crime.
The seventh is fair and equal rep
resentation. distribution Of burdens
and of power.
The eighth is that sectionalsm is
wrong and should be ignored and
that past differences of opinion should
have nothing to do with the present.
The ninth is that the right Of every |
man 10 be governed by his own
homes, convictions Of duty Is inIly |
recognized.
Now brother patrons, there is one /
restriction found in the first PROPOSE
ton, that is, that we shall not bring
politics into the grange. This is an
..essaut;ai" with us, and in this there
must he "nnity."
But is there not liberty enough in
the other eight propositions, with
charity included, to satisfy any rea
sonable or reasoning mind: But
some Of you say: '.Ihe old parties
have become 50 corrupt that We can,
not trust Them All, my friends, Of
whom are these parties composed:-
Mostly of ourselves. BY neglect of
duty we have allowed our important
interests to fall into the hands OF q
few designing leaders, we following
blindly where they lead. We have
allowed them to do our thinking,
planning their own elevation to places
OF trust and power, and then legisla-
ting to suit themselves, bowling to
the behests Of higher party leaders,
or allowing themselves to be seduced |
from the path Of duty by the money
and influence of wealthy monopolies.
Bat could they have done this with
out Your aid? Think little. Have
you not been in the habit Of attend
ing the primary meetings Of your
respective parties: VIVA, for. Why
simply as matter Of course, Of party
routine. What did you do ,here.-'
Why took seats near the door, back
seats. Less than half dozen men
in the precinct, little subalteln ring
tunder inctructions from the next
higher grade, and so on up through
all the grades), march up to :he front
plan all cut and dried, resolutions
ready. One OF these dominates q
chairman and puts the motion. You
say, aye. Then another is non-
mated for secretary; you say, aye. A
committee is then moved TO elect
candidates or delegates. You say,
aye! They are reported. You say,
aye. The resolutions are then moved ;
and again you say, aye. What are
you there for: To ratify what the
little ring had done in secra before
you went there. Next day you read
in the papers OF a large and enthusi-
astic meeting, etc. And sou feel
proud Of your action and yo'r l,"r,y.
You cant deny this "soft impeach-
ment,' In this, have you discharged
your duty as good citizens Of your
country: Is it any wonder we have
selfish, impure, dishonest men in
office: What will you make IA new
party for: Remember the fox and
the swallows in Esop's fable. To
run in the old grooves? Where will
you get the material for new party?
You say there is not sound material
enough in either of them to build up
with. Then, where are you geing to
get it! All, that is not the trouble,
my friends. Shall ] be little plain
er, and tell you that all the trouble
comes from your own neglect of duty:
1t is your fault. Well | imagine YOU