Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-10-13
FARMERS In COUNCIL.
Second Annual Meeting of the Farm
ers' National a A-Iiance-Diseussi
of the Transportation Question and
the Decline of political Parties
miscellaneous Business

miscellaneous Business.
The National Farmers alliance be-
gan its second annual meeting at
Hershey hall, Chicago, October 5th,
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 a combination of
farmers against railroad and barbed
wire monopolies, and the publication
of politics by sending men to the state
and national inois, ,iatnres 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 to-day
900 local alliances, with q member
hip of "A 500. Nebraska heads the
list with 249 alliances; Kansas has 245;
Iowa, $50; New York, 60; Wisconsin,
81; Minnesota, so; Illinois, 45; Michi-
gan, 10; Missouri, 19; Indiana, 10. The
movement, he said, was only 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
q 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. J. FOWLER, President of the
Farmers Alliance: am prevented by
a serious and painful accident from be-
ing with you to-day, but be assured
that as long as | live [ shall give what
feeble aid | can for justice to land and
labor. 1 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 a national lecturer ended in
the decision that it should not be done.
1t 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
tuOuodIlO lllSlIlbC4S III d SOdLC.
Upon nreassennbling On the second day,
a constitution was adopted. The fol-
lowing officers were then elected: Pres
ident. J. B. James, Kansas; Vice Presi-
dent, N. Anderson, Wisconsin; Secre-
tary, D. ". Wood, Illinois; Treasurer,
A. Root, Nebraska; Lecturer, D. w.
Wood, Illinois. The committee on res
eiutions presented a report which in
substance stated that in the opinion of
the alliance, farmers and others are op-
pressed by unequal taxation, by sub
sides to monopolies, by selfish parti-
sans and dishonest officials, by railroad
extortions and unjust Determinations,
and by other privileged classes. To
remedy these evils it is suggested that
all property should be equally taxed,
that the salaries of all public officials
should be only fair compensation for
services rendered; that it is the duty
of the general government to regulate
commerce between the several states
by passing laws and establishing regu-