The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1888-07-17

I'VE ARMER just IL rs Will
me like some nice, interesting story
am always sorry that there is not
more of it. i only wish that it was
longer and it came oftener. l think
every Alliance man ought to read it.
May it ever wave in prosperity and
continue It's weekly visits. Will tell
you about our crops next time. .Hn:Is
sa. -,ls q, F~raternaHy, alal.5a sai
J. F. P. H.
CEDAR Rock ALLIANCE, Franklin Co.,
r .r 3D.. N. O., June 10, '8S.
Col. Il. L.. PoLK:-Deor Brother -
The Alliance in our section is growing
very rapidly, at, our last meeting we
initiated seven and have thirteen to
initiate at our next. The farmers seem
to be thoroughly aroused to their own
interest, and are determined to be
heard, and in the future. to take
care of themselves. When we begin
to take in consideration the number of
people engaged in agriculture, the
very important part they play in bear
ing the burdens of our government, it
is a matter of astonishment; they have
been silent, inactive, dead to their
duties so long. They have been CON
tented to bear this heavy load not
thinking of the injustice done them,
and seemingly u~nconcerned about
everything but cotton. No people can
prosper who suffer their interests to
fall into the hands of others who care
naught for them more than to squeeze
all out of them possible. l
Now the most important lesson of
life for us to learn is self-reliance.
You must trust your own exertions;
you must work out your own saliva
ton If You expect to prosper. The
farmer does not fully realize the power
he possesses; naturally modest and
retired, he leaves to other hands what
his own ought to do. Suppose the
merchant trusts others to run his bust
ness; the lawyer another to do his
pleading; the doctor another to watch
his patient; how long before disaster
would overtake him? The farmers
have cultivated the muscle, until the
mental faculties having been dormant
so long, refuse to act, and the result is
seen in the sad disasters that follows.
The farmers have the power at the
ballot box, they have the brain, they
have the money, if they will only unite
and work together in harmony, they
will wonder at the good accomplished.
They do not propose to make war on
anyone, but simply to demand their
rights; they ought never to be satisfied
with less. To accomplish this, the
farm must be gself-sustaining, the
farmer must be educated; he must
read more; he must think more and
be guided by the dictates of a we'll
balanced mind and conscience, and
turn a deaf ear to the cross-road poll
tician who has hitherto lead so many
of them. Mr.. Editor, the great good
you did u community by your visit
us can never be told. The Alliance
has taken on new life, and the best
people OF our section are coming in
very rapidly. If this thing continues
our entire section will soon be Ali.
ance men. God grant that the efforts
The people are now making to better
heir condition may be crowned with
success?
I'want to ask you a question: Is it
constitutional for a member to get q
1emit to join the Alliance in another
simply for a matter of conven-
In organization, county lines
ire recognized, and it does seem to be
lnwlse and improper, if not unconsti-
%utional, to do this. When we leave
county to join the order in an
'ther county, in order to save a few
niles, what becomes of our county
representation in the State Alliance.
: The Constitution gives us no def
ute answer to this. 1t is giving
rouble to some of our lodges. Please
i've your views fully. This is a mat
er to be determined by each Alliance
nd should be done ina charitable and
raternal spirit.-ED.) May The Pro
farmer grow in it's power
Or good, and your life long be spared
Q battle for the laboring people of cur
ear old State. "a !
Your brother,
RIsRo.