The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1881-10-27
FARMERS In COUNCIL.

Second Annual Meeting OF the Farm
ers' National "A AelinnCe-Discussi
Of the Transportation Question and
the Decline OF Political Parties
Miscellaneous Business.
The National Farmers alliance be-
gan its second annual meeting at
Hershey hall, Chicago, October 9th,
with the president, w. J. Fowler, OF
New York, in the chair, and represen-
tatives from nine states in attendance.
The chairman, on calling the alliance
to order, explained the objects of the
organization to be combination of
farmers against railroad and barbed
wire monopoles, and the purifcation
of politics by sending men to the state
and national legislatures who would
properly represent the people as op-
posed to the "machine" and corrup.
ZIONIST agencies of all kinds.
STATISTICAL.
j. w. Wilson, the secretary, reported
that there were in existence TODAY
1000 local alliances, with member.
ship of "a 500. Nebraska heads the
list with 249 alliances; Kansas has 245;
Iowa, $50; New York, GO; Wisconsin,
81; Minnesota, so; Illinois, 45; Mich.
gan, 10; Missouri, 10; Indiana, 10. The
movement, he said, was only q year
old, yet it had already developed great
strength, and was giving evidence Of
the possession of wonderful vitality
and the elements that insure its popu-
larity among the producing classes,
REPORTS.
Reports from subordinate secretaries
were called for, and in response there
to Mr.. L. A. Mulholland, of Kansas,
stated that the prospects were good for
a rapid increase of membership in that
state and an increase Of influence.
Mr.. Matt. Anderson, Of Wisconsin.
thought the day was approaching when
the farmers of his state could combine,
and, by overthrowing the "machine,"
obtain control of the state, and have
such legislation as they might desire.
Mr.. Root, of Nebraska, wanted to
see the downfall of the machine. The
farmers, he said, wanted an equaliza-
ton of taxes, and Legislation that would
prevent discrimination in favor of any
particular class. They also wanted
laws enacted by which railroads would
be compelled to treat all their patrons
alike in carrying freight. No legisla-
ton is wanted for the protection Of
home industries, but the stealing must
be stopped. Mr.. Root was opposed to
the life membership plan.
JUDGE JERE BLACK.
The following telegram from Judge
Jere S. black, sent from York, Pa, to
the chairman. was read:
Mr.. w. ]. FOWLER, President of the
Farmers Alliance: 1 am prevented by
a serious and painful accident from be-
ing with you to-day, but be assured
that as long as l live / shall give what
feeble aid can for justice to land and
labor. l hope you will speak plainly
to-day and let all the world know that
YOU do not lack gall to make oppres.
sion bitter. J. S. BLACK.
The discussion over the question of
employing national lecturer ended in
the decision that it should not be done.
It was decided that all organizations of
farmers should be permitted to send
delegates to the meeting of the national
body, provided they pay the customary
annual fees. The national alliance will
probably be composed hereafter of two
delegates from each state alliance and
one additional delegate for every ten
thousand members in a state.
Upon reassembling on the second day,
q constitution was adopted. The fol-
lowing officers were then elected: Pres.
ldent, J. B. James, Kansas; Vice Pres.
dent, M. Anderson, Wisconsin; Secre-
tary, d. w. Wood, Illinois, Treasurer,
A. Root, Nebraska; Lecturer, D. w.
Wood, Illinois. The committee on res
oiutions presented a report which in
substance stated that in the opinion Of
,he alliance, farmers and others are op-
pressed by unequal taxation, by sub
'idies to monopo1ies, by selfish parti-
'ans and dishonest officials, by railroad
sxtortions and unjust determinations,
ind by other privileged classes. To
'emedy these evils it is suggested that
I'll property should be equally taxed,
hat the salaries Of all public officials
hould be only fair compensation for
ervices rendered; that it is the duty
If the general government to regulate
commerce between the several states
" passing laws and establishing regu-
atoms that will secure to the whole
'eople just and impartial rates for the
Of flelght and passen-
,ers. Several other equally pertinent
were made. The alliance
.iso passed resolution saying that
hey emphatically condemn the prac-
ice of receiving fre, railway passes bv
Judges, members of congress and the
legislatures and other officials. St.
ouis was chosen as the place for the
,eYt m eetinp