The DeSmet leader. (DeSmet, Kingsbury Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1886-03-13

tiitth Sloubu 1Nb thC OpDOOllC lE
the rule, not the exception.
I'm unity there is strength, - is truth
long since accepted and adopted as a
rule Of action BY the different trades
professions, and vocations. Laborers
miners, mechanics of all kinds, type
settlers, business men and ministers OF
the gospel join themselves together
each in his chosen calling, for mutual
benefit and protection in their rights
Even railroad companies, " the Beelze'
bulbs Of all monOpOlStic corporations,
form 'pool associations to protect
themselves in their community Of in
terest and from each other. Yet
farmers, upon whose success rests the
veal or woe Of every other employment,
or business; whose rights have been
ignored and trampled upon by every
other class of men; and who have been
defrauded, oppressed and outraged in
every possible way the ingenuity OF
man could devise, have been under il
all, quiet, submissive, meek"-content
to play lone hand against their com.
Dined uppuuruts, ba,ins their hopes OF
success upon the merits of an insg-
niiicant seven spot of trumps when they
knew that both bowers, ace, king and
joker were in the hands OF their adj
versaries. Such a game can only be a
losing one to the farmers. and need not
be played III that way if they would
only combine and keep the deal in their
own hands.
Associations Of farmers for mutual
benefit and protection iii their rights
are Of comparatively recent origin.
Wherever a feeling of confidence in
each other could he awakened and cul.
tivated until it blossomed and ripened
into tull fruition, the associations, no
matter under what name they We're or
ganized, are successful, and have ac-
cOmplished much good. But where
jealousy and suspicion have not been
thoroughly weeded out, the disintegra-
ton and death of the association has
been speedy, and the members have re-
turned TO their wallowing, prefering
that, because their faith in mud was
greater than their faith in the honor of
their associate farmers. There may be
a ground for the faith that is within
them" in tins particular, other than the
broad foundation of want of faith in
humanity in general. but if there be, it
don't change the facts,
1t is to the credit Of the farmers of
this community that they have, thus
early in their history, associated them
selves together for mutual improve
ment, mutual benefit and mutual pro-
lection. This association has already
passed the first critical period of its
existence. and has come out with flying
colors; with the faith and confidence of
its members in each other unimpaired
and with bright hopes and prospects of
the future. 1t rests with the members
of the Esmond Farmers Alliance
whether it shall 60 on prospering and
to prosper as the years go by, and
whether it's influence shall become
more widespread and more potent
toward relieving the farmers from the
injustice is the mildest word that can
be used in this connection, to which
they as a class are subjected; or
whether it shall weaken. sicken, die,
and be added to the long list of similar
organizations that have yielded to ihe
apathy of their members, and its ghost
go wandering the county vainly Sc, king
a resting place because its body is de-
MED the rite of burial even in the pot
ters field.
The strength of the alliance does not
consist in the number of names borne
upon its roll as members, but in the in
terest, energy and vim displayed, not
only Individually, but collectively and
tenaciously, in the efforts made in at
tanning the object of the organization.
1t is only by working together in unity
and harmony, and cultivating the germ
that is within us, of faith andscon-
fidence in each other as farmers and as
men, that We can successfully and pro-
titably maintain farmers alliance. II
we allow the seeds of discord, jealousy
and suspicion to find lodgment here
one need be neither prophet nor the
son of prophet to safely predict our
speedy dissolution as an organization;
and instead of being spoken of respect
fully as farmers alliance we shall only
meet the merited repioach Of furmesr a
lie.