St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-02-21
THE FARMERS, ALLIANCE.
New and Vigorous organization
and What itGs Doing.

that is of recent origin, yet it has alreauy
deveIoned surprising strength and is grow
ing with a rapidity that IS hardly surpassed
bv the Knights themselves. FROM the
nature of things it attracts less attention
than the Knights of Labor, making fewer
demonstrations and growing and working
in a quiet way, it no less possesses a present
and coming power that viii have great IN
tuence i'm determining the future legislation
affecting labor interests In It's most I'M
nortant aims il does not differ materially
from the Knights Of Labor, both seeking
the elevation Of the common people Of this
work-a-day world and legislation that Will
protect interests and open the way for
social. material, moral and intel
lectual advancement. Recognizing this
practical unity of purpose and
The added power each would
receive from a harmonious union. both
organizations have recently been rapidly
drifting together in all parts of the country,
and a coalition in several states will UNI
doubtedly be brought about in the near
future. Unlike the knights Of Labor the
alliance is not a secret society, and the
bylaws recommend that its meetings be
public, though secret sessions may be held
/ necessary.
The alliance is the result Of a common
ttcOSlllLdllcG Ol tic DcliCllbo anu IiCSCSoeiCiVo
Of the organization Of common interests and
the failure of the Grange to meet the wants
Of the farmers 1t is somewhat on the plan
Of the Farmers alliance of England, very
DID organization, whose features have been
ldapted to the condition and needs 10 be
met here.
The organization in this county started in
Cook county, Ill, in 1880, with Milton
George editor Of the Western Rural among
the leaders. State organizations now exist
in Minnesota, Dakota, Nebraska. Kansas,
Iowa, Texas. Tennessee, Mississippi,
Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana,
New York. The National alliance was
organized in 1882. The history of
THE ALLIANCE IN THIS STATE
dates from 1882. In the fall of that year
several alliances We're formed and chartered
about the same time. The first was that of
Brownsville. following which were Austin,
Good Thunder and Prosper. The first state
alliance met at Rochester Dec. 8, 1882, and
received charter from the National al
lance dated Dec. Is, 1882. Twenty sub
ordinate alliances were represented. John
ID. James was the first president and d. w.
Wood the first secretary. At the second
meeting, Jan. 4, 1884. eighty-One alliances
were represented. There are now 2SG al
Iiances in the slate, with membership APP
prOXmatng Is, 900. The ratio of increase
is rapidly growing and its prospects are bet
ter than ever before. Fifty alliances have
been established in the state in the past
three months and ten are now running in
Swift county, where one month ago there
were none.
The alliance is largely political, but not
partisan. 1t seeks certain legislation,
which it deems important to
the interests of the farming
community and will support men OF either
party who are men of integrity and who
Will pledge themselves to its measures. PO-
litically il seeks protection against hostile
legislation: government control of railroads
as the most practical way Of ending rings
and determinations; a more equitable as
SesSment of taxes, so that each property
owner shall pay according to the protection
his property requires; to oppose special and
class legislation; to elect good men who are
not Office seekers; TO denOunce political
rings and the granting of special privileges
10 corporations; lower rates of interest:
cheaper administration of the laws and a
more thorough representation III the halls
Of legislation. Its influence could be traced
in the movement that resulted in securing
the passage of the grain and warehouse law
at the last session OF the legislature and its
influence will be largely felt in the cam
paigns and legislation of the coming year.
Besides those mentioned it lists with its
aims, the elevation of agriculture by the
mental moral and social Improvement of
its members: the exercise of more brains in
farm work; more rational system OF I'LL
aye: higher prices for products and lower
prices for articles consumed; to encourage
and practice the cash system in buying and
selling. In the alliance the largest liberty
is allowed for The discussion OF all Ques-
religious, political or domestic which can
interest real farmers. 1t is harder to awaken
an enthusiasm and effect an organization
among farmers than it is among the trades
Of city for the reason that they are further
apart and the injustices and unfavOrable
circumstances under which they labor do not
press as keenly. They are naturally little
more conservative and less demOnstrative
and in this respect would be an element OF
strength in the proposed coalition.
Considerable interest will be taken in the
proceedings of
THE STATE ALLIANCE
which meets at the agricultural department
of the state university on Wednesday of
this week, largely on account of its pOliti-
cal features. A platform defining its prin-
ciples and demands will be framed for the
coming campaign and the nature of its pol
lev be determined. The political policy of
the present administration is careful and
conservative and not inclined to dictate to
either party.
The old officers who have worked solely
for the interests of the alliance are up for
reelection and the coming election may
prove somewhat interesting. Should
change of administration be eStab-
lished it is thought more ag-
gressve policy will be pursued.
The present grain and warehouse law has
failed to meet the unqualified approval of
the farmers, and the question of its recon-
structiOn will be thoroughly discussed.
Prominent among the other topics of discus
sion will be that of agricultural education.
There is in the alliance a large class OF in
telligent men, who wish to see introduced
into the system of common school educa-
ton instruction in the elements of the sci
ences bearing on agriculture and the cult
walton of a higher taste in our surround
ings.
In this connection the agricultural college
of the state will receive extended considera-
ton. 1t has a larger endowment than the
university proper. The alliance will ask
that classes be put on the farm and practi-
cal training in farm work be given, follow
ing the plan pursued in other states. They
Will also ASK llldb IliO La iIOlo nave repre-
sentaton on the board of regents. Hon.
Daniel Buck of Mankato will make the
opening address. and among the speakers
present will David w. Wood of the West
em Rural, Chicago The official head
quarters during the session will be at the
Pauley house, opposite the union depot.
The present officers are as follows: Pres
ident. George W. Sprague, Prosper, Fill
more county. Mimi; vice president at large.
7 Nohlac Clapcoa Mel cod county: First